A Harvest Park Middle School seventh-grader is looking to give back to children facing serious health concerns through an online fundraiser as part of a community service project through her Pleasanton Rage Soccer leadership group.
Kyrah Woodward is collecting $5 donations -- asking people, "What if $5 could help save the life of a child?" Those who donate could be entered into a raffle for a U.S. soccer jersey, and all funds generated will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"I chose to raise money for St. Jude Hospital because I was run over by a car when I was 4 and was in bed for almost a year," Woodward said in an email interview. "I did not know whether I would be able to walk normally again, but now I am fine and playing soccer -- my favorite sport."
"But there are many other kids who are not as lucky, and some do not know whether they will even be alive in a year," added Woodward, who turned 13 on Wednesday. "I want to help raise money for them and to help find a cure for cancer."
The online fundraising campaign, hosted through St. Jude Hospital, will remain open through Dec. 30. Woodward was more than halfway to her $1,000 fundraising goal as of Thursday morning.
Donors could also ask to have their name entered into an optional drawing for a U.S. soccer jersey, donated by SoccerPro. The raffle was set to take place Sunday.
To learn more or to donate, visit the "Kyrah's Fundraise Your Way" page.
