Age is no barrier to making a difference, and siblings Landon and Thea Wells are proving just that.
Each year, Landon and Thea host a pumpkin stand to raise money for a cause that is meaningful to them and their family. This fall, they chose to support MercyOne's Perinatal Bereavement Fund, which provides comfort, support, and resources to families experiencing the loss of a baby.
The inspiration for their fundraiser came after their mother, Kelsey Wells, a Labor and Delivery nurse at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, returned home wearing a shirt from the NICU's annual Walk to Remember event. Curious about the shirt, Landon and Thea asked their mom what it represented. After Kelsey explained the event and its purpose, the siblings knew they had found the perfect cause for their pumpkin stand.
"We wanted to help the families who lost their babies," said Landon.
This marks the fourth-year Landon and Thea have organized a pumpkin stand. In previous years, they donated proceeds to their local library, police department, and fire department. Their grandfather purchases the pumpkins each year, while Kelsey and the children bake cookies to share with visitors at the stand.
Although their mom and grandfather help with the setup, the fundraiser's success is truly driven by Landon and Thea's hard work, compassion, and dedication to helping others. Their commitment to supporting families facing unimaginable loss demonstrates a level of empathy far beyond their years.
Landon and Thea's annual pumpkin stand is a reminder that no matter how young you are, you can make a meaningful impact in your community. MercyOne is grateful for their generosity and for choosing to support families through the Perinatal Bereavement Fund. Their kindness is helping bring comfort and hope to others during some of life's most difficult moments.
