It’s always inspiring to see a family member volunteer their services in memory of a loved one. It’s even more inspiring when that person is just ten years old.
Madeline Domian has accomplished a great deal in her young life. The story begins in 2015 when her aunt, Kathi Reinhold—known as “Katie Do,” died from gastrointestinal cancer. Madeline understood that her aunt experienced some very difficult chemotherapy treatments, and wanted to do something to help kids who were going through the same journey.
Initially, she began by selling cookies at her subdivision’s garage sale and donating the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. She then researched what children undergoing chemotherapy may need to help ease their side effects and make their day a little brighter. That inspired the unique creation of Katie-Do Kare Kits 4 Kids.
Madeline asked her classmates at Stanton Elementary School in St. Louis, Missouri to help her get the project going. Within just the first week, there was an amazing show of support from the students, their families and their friends. With money and supplies donated from across her community, Madeline was able to assemble 50 kits that included socks and blankets, games and colored pencils, and other items that help with the side effects of chemotherapy, and deliver them to St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Today, Madeline is 12 years old and continues to deliver 30 kits a month to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. With the support of her community, she has made and delivered 450 Katie-Do Kare Kits to those in need.
