Life Stories 26/06/2025 17:12

How an 8-Year-Old Boy Turned $1,000 Into a Lifeline for His Neighbor

Discover how third-grader Wyatt Erber chose kindness over toys—donating his $1,000 scavenger hunt prize to help a young neighbor battling leukemia.

Most children who stumble upon a bit of unexpected money might rush to buy toys, gadgets, or games. But 8-year-old Wyatt Erber from Edwardsville, Illinois, had a different plan—one that melted hearts and brought hope to a neighbor in need.

Wyatt won a local scavenger hunt organized by First Clover Leaf Bank, a fun event with a $1,000 grand prize. But the prize wasn’t what motivated him. What fueled his determination was a little girl named Cara, his 2-year-old neighbor recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Wyatt didn’t hesitate. He entered the scavenger hunt with one goal in mind: to help Cara. He knew the fight against leukemia was serious, and he hoped the winnings could support her family through the early stages of treatment.

Cara’s mother, Trisha Keilty, was deeply moved. “I knew he was doing it for Cara, which is the sweetest thing ever. But an 8-year-old giving adults money? I tried to refuse. Then his mom told me he asked how much chemo this would buy Cara. He gets it,” she recalled.

Wyatt’s heartfelt act didn’t go unnoticed. A local charity matched his donation, and the story of his compassion spread across the globe. A man in Canada, inspired by the boy’s big heart, sent Wyatt $100 as a personal thank-you.

As for Wyatt’s mother, Noelle, she couldn’t be prouder. “He’s always been a very sweet boy. I’m very lucky to call him my son,” she said.

This story is more than just about winning a prize. It’s about the kind of character that often goes unnoticed—and the power of empathy from even the youngest among us.

Credit: Story and photo courtesy of First Clover Leaf Bank

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