Local 12-Year-Old Helps Grant Wishes

Wish kid, Kensington Harrison, is reaching out to the community to spread awareness about the Make-A-Wish Foundation during the Holiday Season.

Photo provided. 

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The Holiday Season brings out the best in communities. Volunteering and donating to those in need is a popular way to make a difference.  

12-year-old, Kensington Harrison, has been using her time year-round to advocate for a foundation that is near and dear to her heart... Make-A-Wish.

Yesterday, December 4, Kensington spoke to Lawrenceburg Primary School about how they can help raise money for the foundation by simply writing a letter to Santa. 

Make-A-Wish has partnered with Macy's to run a special campaign, the Believe Project, during the giving season.  For every letter received, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million. This donation will help to "create life-changing wishes to critically ill children all across the country."

When asked why she wanted to become an ambassador she said, "I wanted to give back and help others since they helped me a lot."

Personal experiences have instilled a drive to raise awareness for the foundation and kids like her. 

The 7th grader battles with a rare genetic disorder that makes tissue, arteries, and internal organs extremely fragile. Her mother, Chastity, explains that having this disorder is like living in a bubble. Favorite activities like sports and cheer were quickly taken away. 

Although she was disappointed in the news, Kensington knew she was going to be able to make a bigger difference in get involved in other ways. 

After being told she would not be able to continue her favorite activities, Kensington decided to become more active in musical theater, pageants, and become an ambassador for Make-A-Wish. 

On her wish trip to Hawaii to swim with dolphins, the Make-A-Wish pin she wore was a great conversation starter to begin her journey of raising awareness. 

"Several people asked her about her pin and why she chose this as her wish and asked what is, "wrong," with her. She proudly spoke to everyone and politely told them that nothing is wrong with her, she's just a little extra special, that's all," Chastity told Make-A-Wish. 

The way she used the trip and time to tell her story, it was clear that this was a growing passion. When returning home, she started spreading her story locally.

You can visit Macy's in-store or online to write your letter to Santa. 

To learn more about how to volunteer or donate, visit the Make-A-Wish website.