Meadow Lands 2nd Grader Sells Basil to Raise Money for St. Jude

Raelyn Duncan, who is just 8-years-old, held a fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We are sharing her mission, and why St. Jude is so important to her and the Duncan family.

Raelyn does what she does best. She helps those that need it the most. It's her mission to raise money and support the patients at St. Jude. She raised $450 and we couldn't be more proud of this young lady.

I had a chance to talk to Karen, her Mom, about how the fundraiser came together. She explained that Raelyn came to her and said, “I want to give St. Jude money so they would have enough money for the kids.” Karen added, "She has sold lemonade, corn, anything you can think of out in the yard during the summer and this time she decided she wanted to sell the basil and give the money to St. Jude. She made a sign and set her stand up out in the yard. Her grandmother, Aunt Traci and myself posted the pictures on Facebook."

I asked Karen, why St. Jude? "When Raelyn thinks of St. Jude’s she says she feels good because the sick kids that need help get the help they need. Raelyn said she loves St. Jude’s and would love to visit and take a tour someday. Raelyn said Aunt Traci taught and showed me the love of St Jude’s.", she explained.

We're proud, but her family is beyond proud of her. "I am very proud of Raelyn and humbled at the same time that this child I have raised has such a servants heart. Raelyn is such a giving little girl and loves to see people smile. I never dreamed when I posted her on Facebook that my friends local and from all over the US would reach out and give her donations. I was getting Venmo notifications like crazy!! It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever received. St. Jude’s holds a special place in our heart not from personal experience, but because of the love we have been able to witness from so many people through Raelyn's Aunt Traci. It’s amazing and now to see that same love in my child’s eyes makes me so proud of my little girl. She is only 8 and knows the importance of giving. My heart is full.", Karen beamed.

This morning, Raelyn called into the WBKR St. Jude Radiothon to talk about her project and make her amazing donation.

To become a St. Jude Partner-in-Hope, all you have to do is call 1-800-201-8883. The phone lines will be open from 6am, Thursday, February 4th through 7pm, Friday, February 5th here at WBKR. Or you can text HOPE to 626262.

Anyone who becomes a St. Jude Partner-in-Hope during the WBKR St. Jude Radiothon will get a "We Won't Stop" t-shirt. Heck, if you're already a St. Jude partner and still want the shirt, call us during our event, renew your partnership and we'll get you a shirt! They are awesome! And some major country stars have been sporting theirs.

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