This is Maddy, Kelsey
and Sierra’s story.

They began by carrying out a garage sale that their friend, Sydney, had planned in hopes of raising money for hospital equipment. The equipment was to help those who had lost their voice to cancer communicate again.

Support burst forth and the sale raised $9,000. The trio, calling themselves The Pink Polka Dots, decided to keep the effort going, so they held lemonade stands, sold greeting cards and organized an annual golf tournament. Since 2006, the group has raised more than $330,000 for cancer research at Children’s Hospital in Seattle.

Maddy, now 16 and a junior in high school, says she never imagined how big their organization, which now includes more than 35 members, would grow. It began simple with a garage sale and has since led them to New York City to be on national television – The Nate Berkus Show – to talk about their efforts.

“It’s amazing how willing people are to help you,” Maddy says.

Maddy, who likes photography and acting in plays (she’s practicing to be the White Rabbit in a local “Alice in Wonderland” production), said the girls may pass the torch to younger siblings to keep up the great work done by the Pink Polka Dots Guild as some of the members prepare to head off to college in other states. 

It's amazing what three girls can do.

Find out more about the Pink Polka Dots Guild.