Shelby Dooley decided to forgo presents for her 8th birthday this fall. Inspired by a classmate who supports a cause for his birthday, she instead asked for donations to help mesothelioma patients like her “papa,” Richard, a two-year survivor.

“She’s very close to her papa, so on the way home from her friend’s party, I told her, ‘you know, Shelby, you can do that, too?’” explained her mother, Stephanie.

Her face lit up. “I can?!” exclaimed Shelby from the back seat. And she did. Shelby and her family created a GoFundMe page and chose the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation as the beneficiary because the organization aligned with Shelby’s requirements.

“She was very adamant that the money needed to go toward finding a cure for mesothelioma and assisting patients and their families,” said Stephanie. “And we felt like that’s what the Foundation does.”

Thanks to donations from her family and community, Shelby was able to reach her $1,000 goal for her birthday fundraiser! We are so appreciative to Shelby for helping the Foundation support the mesothelioma community as we work to eradicate mesothelioma.

Source: https://www.curemeso.org/2018/10/23/eight-year-old-forgoes-birthday-gifts-raises-cancer-research-support-funds/