Today, my holidays got off to the most amazing start. I had the opportunity to meet a 13 year-old boy from here in Louisville who has set a pretty incredible goal for the holiday season.

Reece, a Make-a-Wish "Wish Kid," is working with Make-a-Wish and Macy's to serve as a Make-A-Wish kid Believe campaign ambassador. A couple of years ago, Reece was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His wish is to raise $1 million to help other kids battling cancer. Reece hopes the money he raises will go toward improving teen patient rooms and common areas at Kosair Children's Hospital; he also hopes to help grant more wishes to kids throughout Kentucky.

The eloquence and poise Reece displayed while being interviewed was inspiring. At a press conference held earlier today, Reece said he'd originally been on the Make-a-Wish list for a custom treehouse built by the Treehouse Guys, but he removed himself from the selection process, believing that other kids may be more deserving than he. He also said that his cousins had forgone birthday presents this year, asking instead for checks to go toward Reece's wish. How amazing is that? These kids have such a heart for service and giving. So far, Reece has raised more than $210,000 through local initiatives.

Today, Reece publicly announced his initiative with Macy's and Make-a-Wish.The Macy’s Believe campaign returns for the eighth year to celebrate the season’s spirit while benefitting Make-A-Wish. From November 6 through December 24, “Believers” of all ages can bring their stamped letters to Santa to their local Macy’s store or send a letter by visiting macys.com/believe. For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. 

New this year, Macy’s Wish Writer stylus and app are a fun way kids can learn the magic of giving through interactive games and write the most magical letters to Santa. Available at approximately 600 stores across the country and macys.com, the stylus can be purchased for $14.99 and $1 from each sale will go to Make-A-Wish.

Donate to “Reece’s Wish to Raise $1 Million” by visiting reecemakesawish.org, texting 80077 to give a $10 donation or by calling toll free (877) 206-9474.  Make-A-Wish relies on the financial support of the local community to grant wishes. Currently, there are more than 150 eligible wish children in Kentucky. For more information on ways to help Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, visit kentucky.wish.org or call 1-877-206-9474 and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @makeawishohkyin.