Sometimes you hear about people doing amazing things for their family, and it’s always inspiring, but it’s even cooler when it’s someone you see in the hallway every day. This summer, senior Laurence Keating organized a fundraiser to help his 5-year-old cousin in Venezuela, who is dealing with a severe medical condition.
The situation began over a year ago when his cousin first became ill.
“He’s a five-year-old boy who lives in Venezuela,” Keating said. “This started over a year ago when my cousin thought he was sick, and they took him to the hospital and found out that he had that thing.”
His cousin has abnormal veins in his brain that weren’t connected properly.
“What inspired me to start this fundraiser was that I wanted to help out my little cousin in Venezuela, who has a life-or-death situation,” Keating said.
That’s a heavy statement, but Keating was determined to do something about it. He organized a fundraiser, which he described as more of a ‘family project’ than his own summer project since his family was so involved.
“The community hasn’t really had a reaction,” Keating said. “It definitely supported my family. It helps me feel better about myself.”
The money Keating raised wasn’t just sent via a bank transfer; he made sure the funds got to his cousin directly.
“These funds go directly to my cousin’s treatment,” Keating said. “With all the money that I raised this summer, my mom went to Venezuela and gave the money to him personally, along with old toys and clothes that we donated to them.”
The donations didn’t just stop with his cousin.
“That money and all my donated stuff has gone to him and to the children of Venezuela,” Keating said.
Keating’s story is truly inspiring. It’s a great reminder that even one person can make a huge impact, and it’s awesome to see a fellow student be so compassionate and motivated to help others.
“I hope what people learn from this story is that just because you’re in good health doesn’t mean you can’t go out into the world and try to help somebody else who isn’t. Try to bring everyone up and make an impact in the world,” Keating said.
