Teddy bears, lip balm, school supplies, and rattles wouldn’t usually fit a description of presents for a sweet sixteenth birthday. However, this is exactly what junior Rachael Lewis wished for on Aug. 15. These presents would all be donated to Rainbow Babies Children’s Hospital for kids of all ages.
“I was driving in the car one day with my mom. We were talking about my sixteenth birthday and the idea of thinking of other people rather than myself came across my mind,” Lewis said. Lewis had many influences on this idea. However, the thought came as she thought about how people sometimes only think about themselves.
“I watch the show ‘Super Sweet 16’ on MTV, and I think it’s horrible how they only think about themselves and not other people,” Lewis said about her inspiration and reasoning. Lewis was influenced by her kindergarten art teacher to do this kind deed.
“Mr. Rocco’s daughter, Julia, is being treated at Rainbow. Her story really touched me because I’ve had friends that have had cancer, but hearing about someone so young going through the same thing and how hard it is on the families just really inspired me,” Lewis said.
John Rocco is the art teacher at Goldwood Primary School in Rocky River. Rocco’s daughter Julia was diagnosed with cancer when she was still an infant.
“I’m in Singing Angels, and when we were younger, we’d go to nursing homes and sing. So I’ve done some minor things, but nothing to this extent.” Lewis said. Even though Lewis was going to great lengths to help out the children at Rainbow, some people had their own opinions on what she was doing.
“A lot of my friends thought I was crazy, but people like my aunt and uncle thought it was really cool that I was thinking of other people rather than myself, especially on my birthday,” Lewis said.
Even though she was thought of as crazy, Lewis had a lot of support for her idea and received many things to donate to the children.
“I got mainly stuffed animals, school supplies, lip balms, and games,” Lewis said. Places like Target, GUND, and even Avon Products donated money and gifts.
“I went to these places hoping they would just listen to me, let alone donate. It was really nice. I didn’t expect it at all,” Lewis said.
After everything was set in stone, the crazy part came. “Planning definitely was the hardest part because it was just getting everything together. The day of the party was the most hectic day of my life because I was running around and getting everything finalized.” Lewis said. After all the craziness and hectic planning, it all paid off. After everything was set in stone, the crazy part came.
“Planning definitely was the hardest part because it was just getting everything together. The day of the party was the most hectic day of my life because I was running around and getting everything finalized.” Lewis said. After all the craziness and hectic planning, it all paid off in the long run.
“Family members tried to sneak me gifts and money as birthday gifts for me, but it all went to Rainbow. I didn’t want anything. I have a roof over my head and I’m healthy and I don’t need an extravagant present to be happy. A car would be nice, but this was better,” Lewis said.
Because of this amazing act, Lewis got much recognition from Rainbow Babies Children’s Hospital, GUND, and even received a letter from the mayor of Rocky River.
“I wasn’t expecting all these recognitions because I didn’t think it was a big deal. I thought if you want something, it should just come naturally, but it was really cool getting a letter from the mayor,” Lewis said.
“This definitely impacted my life in a good way. Doing things for others is much more rewarding for yourself than having people give you gifts.” Lewis said.
As for the future, Lewis plans on doing this same thing for her seventeenth birthday. By continuing these efforts, Lewis will change the world a little bit at a time.
Katie Perez also contributed to this story.