Annabelle Rie Honored By Mass. General For Cancer Research Fundraising

Know a student or group of students who should be recognized? Scroll down for instructions on submitting a nomination.

Melrose Patch Whiz Kid of the Week

• Annabelle Rie, 7
  
• Andover School of Montessori, Grade 2
  
• Accomplishment: One of 100 people and groups honored by this year for their contributions to the fight against cancer.

A seven-year-old Melrose girl joins the ranks of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Elizabeth Edwards and others known for their philanthropy.

Annabelle Rie of Melrose joined 99 other people and groups in June at "the one hundred," Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center’s annual fundraiser that honors 100 individuals and groups for their contributions in the fight against cancer.

Annabelle, a second grader at the Andover School of Montessori, was 2-years-old when when her aunt Christine Franzese was diagnosed with breast cancer, Annabelle's mom Paula wrote in an email.

Franzese has been a patient at the Gillette Center for Women's Cancer for over five and half years, and her oncologist, Dr. Beverly Moy, nominated Annabelle after she raised over $500 dollars at her fifth birthday party—an ice skating birthday party, Paula said. Everyone invited was asked to donate money to Dr. Moy's research fund in lieu of a birthday present.

Annabelle continues to raise money for Dr. Moy each year for her birthday.

Below is the nomination letter written by Dr. Moy:

‘Thank you for helping my Aunt Dee Dee,’ began my first letter I received from Annabelle Rie, then age four.

Her aunt, Christine Franzese, is in my care for metastatic breast cancer. Annabelle’s note explained how for her birthday, instead of presents, she had asked her friends and family to donate money for breast cancer research at Mass General. When Annabelle turned five, she again asked her parents to withhold birthday gifts and donate more money to Mass General for breast cancer research.

Now Annabelle is seven years old and I am honored to have become the ‘girlfriend’ of this extraordinary child. She frequently accompanies her aunt to her chemotherapy appointments at Mass General and is full of smiles and hugs whenever she visits us. Instead of being afraid of doctors, nurses and hospitals, she views us as allies in keeping her aunt well.

Annabelle has maturity and heart that far exceeds her young age. She is proud to be one of the youngest warriors against breast cancer and one of the youngest philanthropists. Annabelle Rie is an inspiration and a role model to everyone, young or old.

We need nominations!

Each week, Melrose Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to danield@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's E-Mail
• Whiz Kid's Name
• Whiz Kid's Age
• Whiz Kid's School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
• An explanation of the accomplishment (approximately 150-300 words).
• A photo, if available.