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Wednesday's Child: Tahkem

By Larry Kane
Produced by Timothy McLaughlin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Tahkem is a self-starter. This 18-year-old just graduated from high school, wants to go to college to be a sports broadcaster. And he's an athlete, playing basketball and powerlifting.

"Basically competing against other people to see who can lift more weight."

And there aren't too many who can lift more than he can.

"The most I've ever deadlifted was about 515 pounds. I actually went to Orlando, Florida with the powerlifting team and I got third in the country."

Even with his 19th birthday coming up, he's not giving up hope of finding a family.

"Just to have somebody there that's gonna be there for you no matter what."

But, his social worker, Karen Knodel, says because of his age Tahkem may never live with his adopted family.

"Maybe he would come home on holidays. But, come alongside of him and be that base -- you know, 'when I need help, here's where I go to.'"

For more information about adopting Gianna or any other child, go to the National Adoption Center's  web site, www.adopt.org, or call 215-735-9988.

"Wednesday's Child" main page

 

 

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