Teen aims to raise $15,000 to help kids with medical struggles
“Dream big” is the motto of several athletes, actors and other celebrities throughout the world. But for 14-year-old Katlyn Oaks, “dream big” is more than just a motto — it’s her way of life.
Katlyn suffers from a mitochondrial defect, something she was diagnosed with in 2007 at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Since then, she has been in and out of the hospital, adopting the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House as her home away from home.
“For Katlyn, the Ronald McDonald House gives her the ability to make friends and talk with other kids going through the same thing,” said her mother, Ruth Oaks.
According to her mother, the family stays at the facility in Los Angeles about once a month for up to three weeks at a time. Each week is different for Katlyn and her family as it’s difficult to predict whether she’ll be in the hospital or at home any given day.
Despite the difficulties, Katlyn does everything in her power to help children going through similar struggles.
In 2006, she organized an effort to donate more than 500 toys to the playroom at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. She made such an impact that the room is now called the Katlyn Oaks Playroom. In 2007, she led “Project Snack Attack in which she collected snacks and juice boxes for pediatric patients at Los Angeles’ Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases.
Every year since her diagnosis, Katlyn has raised money for the L.A. Ronald McDonald House’s Walk for Kids fundraiser, starting with — and accomplishing — a goal of $1,500.
“Dream big” came into play last year when Katlyn announced to her parents that she wanted to raise at least $10,000 for the benefit. Ruth Oaks said she wasn’t sure Katlyn could meet what seemed to be a lofty goal, but within four months, her daughter raised more than $10,000. This year, Katlyn aims to raise at least $15,000, and just two months into the project, she has gained more than $7,000.
“It’s more of the abnormal than the norm for a teenager to be so involved in fundraising,” Ruth Oaks said. “She really wants to give back and wants to bring awareness to the organization.”
The L.A. Ronald McDonald House provides housing and amenities for families with children who have struggles similar to Katlyn. It costs $25 per night to stay at the facility, but no family is turned away for the inability to pay. Ruth Oaks said the money Katlyn raises goes toward the replacement of sheets and towels, a stocked pantry, laundry detergent and other necessary items.
Ruth Oaks said something unique about Katlyn’s fundraiser is that there hasn’t been one large donor to her cause. Katlyn sent an email to family and friends who contributed $50 and $100 amounts. Katlyn donates the money she receives from her grandma for her recognition of straight As in school — an accomplishment she has held onto since the third grade.
Katlyn said her reason for helping other children is simple.
“Really, the reason I give back is because I would want someone to give back to what’s happening with my family,” she said.
This year’s Walk for Kids fundraiser holds another special meaning to the Oaks family.
“Another special part of the fundraiser is not only is Katlyn giving back, but she has the opportunity to name a room after my sister who died from a cancerous brain tumor at 13,” Ruth Oaks said. “I was at that house with (my sister) as a young girl, and now that I go back as an adult — and as a parent — it holds meaning.”
Given Katlyn’s history with fundraising and the various reasons behind her will to succeed, Ruth Oaks believes that her daughter’s “big dream” has the potential to turn into a reality.
“We want Katlyn to be able to be successful,” Ruth Oaks said. “Katlyn believes in dreaming big, and I think she’s shown that.”
To donate and learn more about Katlyn’s cause, contact Ruth Oaks at 592-2144 or hntrjmprmom@cox.net.
Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.
