Austin Martinelli may not be able to drive a car, vote or do much without a parent’s signature. But the 10-year-old has a heart for his peers and a passion for fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that knows no limits.
With the support of his parents, he’s among the youngest monthly donors to St. Jude, called “Partners In Hope,” and has led at least two successful fundraisers to help fulfill his promise to give.
“It’s a lot of work, but I knew I was helping kids live so that made me work even harder,” Austin said. “You never say you can’t, because as long as you put 100% towards your dream, idea or thought, you can accomplish anything.”
Inspired by a story he heard on the radio about St. Jude, the Pittsburgh, Penn., fourth-grader became a monthly donor to St. Jude in Dec. 2016 and pledged to his parents, Michelle and Steve Martinelli, to raise the money for the monthly commitment.
“I was listening to the kids from St. Jude tell their stories of having cancer and their fight, and I told my mom I wanted to help save kids' lives ‘cause I don't like cancer,” Austin said.
His first fundraiser was held at his school in December and collected $598; his goal was $100. Inspired by the red wagons St. Jude patients are provided to help them travel comfortably around the hospital campus, his next fundraiser, "Austin’s Wagon Walk," in April 2017, more than quadrupled that (raising $2,500). He has now raised more than $5,000, thanks to ongoing contributions.
Those funds support the lifesaving research and treatment at St. Jude, and help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
The generosity of her youngest son — she has two older sons, ages 18 and 19 — was not a surprise, Michelle said.
“Austin has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever met,” she said. “The love this kid has is incredible for being 10 (years-old).”
The advice Austin offers other kids who might want to undertake their own St. Jude fundraiser is wisdom born of experience beyond his years.
Step out of your comfort zone, and follow your heart.
Become a Partner In Hope today — join a special group of monthly donors committed to saving children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Read more inspiring stories
-
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark 2018 National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude is honoring some our dedicated Hispanic employees with St. Jude Global. Learn more about their work.
-
Working together: Mother and daughter nurses bond at St. Jude
In observance of Mother’s Day May 13 and National Nurses Week May 6–12, St. Jude nurses Margie and Kallen Kjellin share their story.
-
Administrative professionals provide dedicated support to St. Jude departments
The more than 150 administrative professionals at St. Jude offer unparalleled support to keep their departments running smoothly. Three longtime admins share their stories.
-
MRI technologist is inspired throughout career at St. Jude
With a strong support system of women in her life, Mary Jo Freeman has advanced from a hopeful student to a seasoned MRI specialist. Find out about her journey at St. Jude.
-
Dr. Sheila Moore on breaking barriers and giving back
Sheila Moore, MD, began her medical career at a time when men dominated the field. More than five decades later, she reflects on her barrier-breaking career as a pediatric hematologist-oncologist in the South.
-
Moving science forward
Inspired by female scientists, Shondra Miller, PhD, is focused on pushing science’s boundaries.
-
Losing my best friend to cancer led me to a career in science
Research Tech Hailey Skonhovd honors her childhood friend’s memory by pursuing a scientific career.
-
Do what you put your mind to
Tangie Thomas, VP of Clinical Operations, talks about persistence and motivation in her career.
-
Beyond the margins
James' brother, Eddie, helped care for him while he was receiving treatment at St. Jude. Today, Eddie's still involved through International Paper's commitment to the hospital.
-
The story behind the picture
Before the iconic image of a patient and St. Jude founder Danny Thomas made its way into a commercial, it sat in the treasured home of that patient's sister.
-
Giving back to say thanks
The beginnings of St. Jude are more than just a compelling story for one family of Dream Home builders — it's a mirror of their own lives.
-
Strong reason to run
A teen wanted to make running a marathon meaningful and memorable while challenging himself. So he picked a charity he knew would motivate him — St. Jude.
-
Little Minden leads the way
For decades, the residents of a small town in Louisiana have made it their life's work to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.
-
Drumming around the clock
The students from Bel Air High School streamed a 24-hour-straight performance to help give families the gift of more time.
-
St. Jude Spirit of the Dream celebrates Dr. King’s legacy
St. Jude Spirit of the Dream celebrated Black History Month, and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike that brought Dr. King to Memphis.
