U.S. Soldiers stationed in Kuwait join effort to raise money for Duke Children’s Hospital

Jacey Magyar, the inspiration behind Big Soldiers for Little Soldiers

When his little cousin was diagnosed with leukemia, Spc. Kenneth Bass, who is stationed at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, wanted to find a way to help. He started Big Soldiers for Little Soldiers — an effort to raise money Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Care Center, where his cousin Jacey is receiving treatment.

As if their service to our country isn’t enough, Bass, along with his buddies and other soldiers stationed overseas have found a way to give even more to the communities they left behind. Personally touched by childhood cancer, Bass wanted to find a way to support and encourage the kids he calls “little soldiers.”

“Everyday they wake up with hope, promise, determination and bravery beyond what most of us can imagine. They push through adversity, always looking forward,” says the Big Soldiers for Little Soldiers website. “It is not just our responsibility, but our duty to ensure that these brave little Soldiers receive only the best care that they deserve.”

Big Soldiers for Little Soldiers is something of a challenge. For every $10 raised, the soldiers participating in the program will do one pushup. For every $500 raised, they will run 1 mile. The challenge culminates on August 18, when their obligations for the money raised will be fulfilled. On that day, two teams of participating “big soldiers” will compete against each other to complete the challenge. The winning team will receive gift cards.

Proceeds from the challenge will benefit Duke Children’s Hospital. Their goal is to raise $10,000 — so far they’ve raised just under $1500. These soldiers are already living sacrifices for our country, but with Big Soldiers for Little Soldiers, they’re going above and beyond the call of duty.

Will you do your part and join them? Any soldier can run 1 mile. The more people who donate to this effort, the bigger the challenge, and ultimately, the more lives that can be saved at Duke Children’s Hospital.

Click here to donate now!

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