[Huntington Beach] “I want to help sick kids.” These powerful words came from 8-year old Makayla Bangle after seeing the Jessie Rees Foundation page on her mom’s facebook. Makayla was inspired and determined to make a difference, and persisted until her parents, Danial and Theresa, realized their daughter was serious about her idea.
Makayla decided to make beaded bracelets she would call ‘Bravery Bracelets,’ and after earning money herself for supplies, asked her parents to drive her to the store so she could purchase several thousand beads. Makayla began selling them for one dollar to her teachers, neighbors, and anyone else she could think of. She even set up a donation table for her bracelets, complete with a sign she made, in front of their Southern California home.
Supporting Makayla’s goal to help families affected by pediatric cancer became a bonding, special experience for the Bangle family. In the process, they came together to make a very real difference for courageous kids fighting cancer and life-altering illnesses: Supported by her family, Makayla raised a total of $125, which will send six JoyJars® to kids in need of encouragement and joy in their fight.
CHOC Pediatric Oncologist, Leonard Sender, M.D., said “When you see kids surrounded by love and joy and laughter, even in the face of having cancer, those kids do better.” Makayla’s compassionate idea, to turn love into action, will help six kids do better. However, that’s just the beginning – Makayla continues to make her Bravery Bracelets along with key chains, and is thinking up other creative ways to continue encouraging kids to Never Ever Give Up.
Thank you Makayla, Madison, Elle, Danial and Theresa for your hearts to encourage kids to NEGU!
By: STEVE NELSON / THE JESSIE REES FOUNDATION