A Giving and Caring Heart!

I was blessed to sit down and talk with an 11 year old girl named Bethany this week.  Bethany is full of excitement, positivity, and a passion to serve and helps others.  At a time in life when most kids are concerned with typical holiday traditions and presents, Bethany has set a goal to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.  Now for those of you who do not know, the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is an organization dedicated to helping families stay together while children are going through medical treatments.  They provide a place for families to stay so that children can heal faster and happier surrounded by love ones.  Their website states “we may not be able to make the medicine taste better or erase the pain of a much-needed treatment, we can help lessen the burden.”

Why is Bethany raising money for RMHC?  All of her life she has suffered from Asthma.  This battle has put her in the hospital several times and become an ordinary part of daily life.  Two years ago she raised just under $700 by collecting change at church, and sent it to National Jewish, a hospital in Denver.  Bethany through her struggles had become acquainted with National Jewish and wanted to give back and pay it forward.

Last year, Bethany found herself a patient at National Jewish during the holiday season and spent 18 days going through treatments.  She was able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House with some of her family during this process.  During her time there she was blessed by the services that RMHC provided and very grateful for their love and support.

This year, Bethany has a passion and glow about her as she sets out to give back and pay it forward for future families who will need the services of RMHC.  She has begun collecting money to send to RMHC to say thank you for what they do, and help out the many children who need their services yearly.  It is inspiring to see such joy and excitement radiate from her as she talks about this new endeavor and goal to surpass the $700 dollars she raised last time.  Bethany has set up multiple locations in the area to collect change; Moundridge Elementary School, Prairieland Partners in McPherson, and Modd's Sweets and Eats in Moundridge.

Bethany embodies the true Christmas Spirit.  She has a loving and giving heart with a desire to help others.  In less than a week she had already made it half way to her goal and is excited about the future.

Interested in hearing from Bethany herself tune in Thursday December 12th to 96.7 FM KBBE here in McPherson, KS at 12:30 or go to Midkansas Radio to listen online.