Maya Schaab of Wheeling celebrated her 10th birthday in a heartwarming way by brightening the days of young patients at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge. Instead of receiving gifts herself, Maya launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for board games to comfort children undergoing treatment.
Maya’s dedication to helping others began at a young age, starting with birthday service projects at just 5 years old. Last year, she and her father established a free food pantry at the Wheeling Public Library, followed by organizing “birthday in a box” kits during the pandemic to ensure everyone could celebrate safely.
“I know going to the hospital can be scary, especially for kids,” Maya shared, explaining her inspiration for the project. Her campaign surpassed expectations, raising over $1,000 to purchase 130 board games tailored to entertain and comfort young patients during their hospital stays.
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Katie Steinberg, a child life specialist at Advocate Children’s Hospital, praised Maya’s compassion and dedication. “Her care and generosity are truly remarkable,” Steinberg commented. Maya’s commitment to kindness extends beyond birthdays, aiming to inspire compassion and respect in her community.
Maya’s initiative not only brought joy to hospitalized children but also underscored the transformative power of empathy and altruism.
