9-year-old creates gifts for child patients at Roswell Park

The Cavanagh's brought gift bags, crayons, puzzles and other goodies to their parents house because there were far more donations than expected. Not too many 9-year-olds are trying to cheer up 250 child cancer patients.

“[I'm happy] knowing that these kids when they get these kits will have a smile on their face," 9-year-old, Joe Cavanagh, says. Joe attends Lindbergh Elementary and for his martial arts' community service project he went beyond expectations. 

Joe set a goal to create 150 'chemo kits,' or gift bags stuffed with puzzles, hot cocoa, candy and crafts to deliver to children undergoing chemotherapy at Roswell Park's Cancer Institute. Little did he know that the number would ramp up to 250 after he took to Facebook with his mission.

“I don’t know, I just feel like it makes the world a better place," Joe says. 

Joe's mother, Cristy, tells 7 Eyewitness News this fundraiser comes a year after Joe donated 1200 pairs of socks to the homeless at Buffalo's City Mission. 

“It’s a hard thing to understand when you’re nine, that not every nine year old is like you... Trying to explain to him that some of those kids will be doing chemo treatments on Thanksgiving, they won’t be home with their families.” " Cristy says. “I’m smiling ear to ear everyday, he makes me so proud, he just wants to help change the world, every small thing counts in his eyes."

He and his family are set to deliver the gift bags on Wednesday morning at 10 am. 

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