|
|
|
|
All News & Blogs
E-mail Alerts
Little girl does homework with a heart
Alexa Kincaid, 8, and mother Violet react while searching for bugs in the backyard of their Spotsylvania home.PETER CIHELKA/THE FREE LANCE-STAR View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place |
The importance of a successful organ transplant isn't lost on the Kincaid family.
Violet's sister, Robin, was born with only one functioning kidney, and she required a transplant at the age of 20. She just celebrated her 43rd birthday.
Thankfully, she's remained healthy, said Alexa's grandmother, Judy Vassar of King George. But Robin's husband, Michael, who suffered kidney failure after a battle with strep throat, died about 18 months ago when his body rejected a second donor kidney.
"We know the value of a transplant," said Vassar.
"The whole transplant thing to me is a really big deal," added Violet.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Alexa set her goal at $1,100. A friend of her mother's had sold gift cards as a fundraiser once, so the Kincaids decided that was the way to go.
Alexa pulled her crayons out and drew a picture with the words "The Happy Helper" in the middle of it, and her parents had the image printed on 100 discount cards from an Arizona-based company called Xtraman Fundraising.
The cards entitle purchasers to discounts at thousands of businesses across the country, from movie theaters and museums to restaurants and contact lens manufacturers. Even Disney World participates.
Alexa is selling the cards for $20, and each one comes with a $25 restaurant.com credit, so they pay for themselves instantly. Half of the money she raises will cover the cost of the cards, and the rest will go to Propps through HelpHOPELive.
With help from family and friends, Alexa has sold all but about 30 of the cards. She's also hoping to raise more money for the cause by recycling ink cartridges.
Alexa said her Battlefield Elementary classmates have supported her efforts, and she earned kudos from SCOPE teacher Catherine Killough.
"She said it was for a great cause and it was marvelous," said Alexa, beaming.
When she's not helping her community, Alexa enjoys running around with brothers Aaron Jr., 16, and Andrew, 13, turning cartwheels and spending time at the Dollar Tree.
She said she has enjoyed receiving help from the whole community, and she's optimistic that her homework assignment will help Propps.
"I hope my project makes a difference in her life," she said.
Edie Gross: 540/374-5428
Email: egross@freelancestar.com
|
Alexa Kincaid, 8, is selling discount cards to raise money for Spotsylvania resident Henrietta Propps, who needs a heart transplant. For information about the cards, which cost $20, go to Facebook and type "SCOPE Project for www.helphopelive.org in honor of Henrietta Propps" in the search field. To see which businesses accept the discount card, visit xtramandiscounts.com. You can also make a tax-deductible donation directly to Propps' account by typing her name in the patient-finder box at HelpHOPELive.org. HELP HOPE LIVEHelpHOPELive is a nonprofit that helps patients raise funds for medical bills through tax-deductible donations on its website. Propps is one of four patients in the Fredericksburg region using the organization. The others are: Greg Brown of Fredericksburg, who needs a heart transplant. Debbie White of Locust Grove, who needs a heart and kidney transplant. Larry Carter of Rappahannock County, who is recovering from a severe spinal injury. You can see more information about the patients by entering their names in the patient-finder box at HelpHOPE Live.org. |