Fifth-grader raises more than $200,000 for autism research
What started as a $7.35 fund has turned into a local and national phenomenon.
After seeing improvement in her brother Evan’s autism symptoms following glutathione treatments, Michala Riggle, 11, was inspired to raise money to begin an autism research study at Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Ky. Michala and her parents wanted to know if, like Evan, other children with autism could be helped with glutathione treatments.
By making and selling beaded bracelets and through private donations, Michala has raised more than $200,000 to allow physicians at Kosair Children’s Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine to begin an autism research study at Kosair Children’s Hospital.
In the past several months, Michala’s hard work and “You’ve Gotta Believe” motto have inspired a team of volunteers, affectionately called Michala’s “peeps,” to bead thousands of bracelets to sell at local art shows and other community events. A high school in Louisville stops classwork each week to bead for the “Beading to Beat Autism” effort, and Michala’s aunts have persuaded their co-workers to bead on their lunch breaks. Michala has enlisted the help of Beta clubs, church groups, family, friends and even strangers who have donated supplies to support the effort. Michala even persuaded her brother, Dawson, 8, to help make bracelets!
Michala’s new goal is to raise enough money to build an autism research and treatment center in Louisville to help autistic children like her brother Evan. Learn more about Michala’s story.
Donate or purchase Michala's beaded bracelets online or call (502) 629-KIDS.
(For $3 bracelets, please specify the quantity in the “For other donations” box on the donation form. Click “Purchase Michala's bracelets" now.)
Michala told her 8-year-old brother, Dawson , “You’ve gotta believe,” we can raise this money. To help, purchase a “Believe” pin.
Believe pins can also be purchased in the Louisville area at any Ginny’s Hallmark locations:
- 6233 Crestwood Station
Crestwood, KY 40014 - 291 N Hubbards Lane
Louisville, KY 40207 - 6801 Dixie Hwy
Louisville, KY 40258 - 5009 Mud Lane
Louisville, KY 40229
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