Another Christmas season is here and nine-year-old Sadie Keller is still fighting cancer.
Diagnosed with leukemia in the spring of 2015, each day brings new battles.
“I could wake up and think today’s going to be a good day and I end up going to the ER at the end of the day,” said Sadie. “It’s like a mystery. You don’t know if I’m going to feel good or feel bad or it could be both.”
On the day we spoke with Sadie, she was having a good day.
This month she is focused on collecting toys for fellow cancer patients stuck in the hospital at Christmas.
Last year she collected more than 1,000 toys for kids. This year, her goal is to raise 3,000.
“It’s just terrible being in the hospital on Christmas, so I wanted to do it again to make their Christmas a little bit better,” said Sadie.
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So far, she’s already halfway to her goal.
Strangers inspired by Sadie’s own cancer fight have given hundreds of toys to her cause. Piles of toys have replaced furniture in her parents dining room.
“I’m so excited to give all these toys to those kids and I just wish I could see their reaction,” said Sadie.
In addition to gathering toys, Sadie is also fighting for more funding for childhood cancer research.
Earlier this year she traveled to Washington D.C. to ask lawmakers to help kids like her and she’s planning more trips in 2017.
“I feel like I can be a voice for other people who don’t like talking about it.”
“She really has shown she’s taken her diagnosis and made it good,” said her mother, Sarah Keller. “I don’t know a whole lot of people who could do that.”
It’s a fight Sadie says she will continue every Christmas even when she’s cancer free and she has a message for everyone who’s helped her along the way.
“I say ‘Thank You’ so much for helping me. This is amazing.”
Sadie calls her toy drive “Sadie’s Sleigh 2.0”.
This year’s toys will be divided between Children’s Health in Dallas and Cook Children’s in Fort Worth.
To make a donation, drop off toys at the following fire stations in Argyle:
•Fire Station #511
511 Gibbons Rd South
Argyle, TX 76226
•Fire Station #513
827 Copper Canyon Rd
Argyle, TX 76226
You can also make a financial donation to help purchase toys online.
Website: https://www.youcaring.com/sadiessleigh-702800
