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The Power of Giving: A Lesson from Carl and his Pop Tabs

The act of giving has a powerful way of shaping a child's life. It's empowering, allows for creative expression, and teaches kids they have the power to make a difference.  At Ronald McDonald House Charities kids learn the power of giving and helping other kids. 

As a child undergoing his own cancer treatment, Carl found passion in helping others.  Giving back helped him heal and his story is one of hope, inspiration and millions of pop tabs.  

When Carl was four, he endured many grueling treatments before his leukemia went into remission.  In 2000, his cancer returned and over the years his fight was fierce, and it ultimately ended up attacking his central nervous system resulting in blindness.  Throughout it all, Carl had his family nearby for love and support.  Because of the Ronald McDonald House his family was there to teach him one of life's greatest lessons - the power of giving back.

"My motto is adapt, overcome and improvise," Carl says. "It's what my dad always says."

So while undergoing treatment, he began collecting soda can pop tabs to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities.  Nearly, ten years later he has collected millions of tabs and raised more than $10,000.  Last month, he presented a check to RMH of Philadelphia for $1,000 which was then matched by the scrap metal dealer.  He also found other ways to get involved by becoming a camp volunteer at the Ronald McDonald® Camp.  He worked with all campers but was especially helpful to the visually impaired.  Now 18, Carl's cancer is in remission, and he has no plans to slow down his helping others.

"I have great admiration for children going through their own medical illness who have the energy and perspective to give back and help other kids, said Susan Campbell, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia. "It shows the impact their illness has on them."

At the same House, they also have another Ronald McDonald House alum who gives back.  Katie Burzo, now 22, stayed at a Ronald McDonald House in the 1980's as an infant.  For the past few years, she sends a $1 to the Ronald McDonald House every week, and lovingly decorates the envelope every time.  It's her way of giving back to those who helped her, and every week the staff looks forward to opening Katie's envelope.

"The families that stay with us are truly our hidden asset," said Campbell.  "The power of their experience empowers many to give back.  While we greatly appreciate our corporate donors, it is often the children and families that support us that truly strengthen and sustain us.  We are grateful for their support."

> Watch Carl's story on NBC's ‘Making a Difference' Segment

> See pictures of Carl and Katie

How you can get involved

Each day around the world, the kids who you think may have the least amount of energy to give back because of their illness, do it every day.  Ronald McDonald House Charities is grateful for their support.  There are many ways kids can help kids in our organization.  Rally your family and get involved!

> Read more about the pop tab program

> Share your story - Tell us how your kids are helping others on our Facebook page

> Sign up to volunteer

10 Ways Kids Can Help

  • Be creative - organize art projects for kids staying at your local Ronald McDonald House
  • Get 2 toothbrushes at your next dentist appointment and donate one to your local RMHC chapter
  • Donate your favorite game for ‘game night' at your local Ronald McDonald House
  • Collect pop tabs to be recycled - hold a drive at your school
  • Drop a penny, a nickel or a dime in the donation box at McDonald's restaurants
  • Hold a penny war at your school and donate proceeds to RMHC
  • Bring your game system and games and organize a video game tournament
  • Help plant flowers at your local RMH
  • Donate blankets for the RMH families to use
  • Come up with your own idea!

 


Comments (1)|(Hide)

  • 26/09/2010 9:58pm

    i met carl today in pahrump nv. @ the fall festival. he is still very much collecting those soda tabs. so if you have some for him, let me know. i will be happy to get them to him, along with the ones i have been saving. carl, you are a true inspiration to us all.

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