A 9-year old boy developed a passion for running and wanted to put his passion to good use.
Having a heart for sick children, this incredible 9-year old boy has raised over $65,000 for sick children running an astonishing 120 miles across the United States and Canada.
And once you hear his reason for what keeps him going – you’re bound to be touched.
It started off small – with little 7-year old Matteo realizing his passion for running – and his family discovering he was talented at it too.
He originally started with a fundraising goal of $5,000 to help children who are sick, but after quickly crushing that goal – he realized the opportunity he had to do more.
Cancer is personal to him, as his own grandfather is a prostate cancer survivor.
When Matteo was only 7-years old, he participated in a race and placed second winning an award.
But unlike most children who would jump at the chance to take the award, this little boy revealed his true passion for helping others.
Matteo’s father Brandon recalled the stunning moment when he realized his son’s motivation was truly to help others.
Fox10 Phoenix reported:
“I turned to him and said, ‘Hey buddy, you have to stick around and get your medal,’” Brandon said. “He turned to me, completely unprompted, and said, ‘It’s okay, Daddy. We can leave. This isn’t about awards. It’s about helping other people.’”
Since then, his father connected him with the founder of Hopecam, a non-profit that helps children with cancer.
And since then, he’s run races all over the U.S. and Canada raising money for this charity.
As if that isn’t incredible enough – there’s more!
Not only is this little boy running hundreds of miles to help children with cancer – he even started his own charity called “Off The Charts Club” – committed to doing even more to help children who are sick!
According to their website, their goal is to “embrace the notion that there are no age or size requirements for helping others”.
Even more encouraging, they are setting goals for 2020 which will thrust donations to help publish children’s books, visit hospitals, and help promote athletic events to raise money for kids!
So many adults feel like there is nothing they can do to help others, but this amazing child knows that even though he is only 9-years old, he can do his part.
There is nothing sweeter than being able to provide relief and fun to kids who are hurting.
Even though a child may be diagnosed with a certain illness, at the end of the day kids will be kids.
And with such a big heart to help others at such a young age, it’s clear this little boy will grow up to do big things to help others!
What are your thoughts on the accomplishments of this little 9-year old boy?
Do you agree every child regardless of their age has the opportunity to make a difference in the world?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
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