Calgary boy battling rare disease brings in big money for Alberta Children’s Hospital fundraiser
Global News
An ambitious fundraising goal was met with overwhelming response for a boy who hasn't been able to leave his house since May 2021.
When Bode Fox decided he wanted to raise money for the Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH), he looked to mom Susanne for help.
“I talked to him and we said, ‘What should we set for a goal?'” said Susanne Fox, a former Global News anchor turned communications expert. “‘Do you think $500?’ And he’s like, ‘I think that sounds awesome, mom.'”
In hindsight, it was a fairly modest goal and one that took barely any time to reach.
“Within like 24 hours, it was like poppin!” said Susanne, who reached out to family and friends to support Bode’s participation in the 19th Annual Country 105 Caring for Kids radiothon in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation (ACHF).
With just hours left in the event, Bode had amassed more than $33,000 or over 6500 per cent of his initial goal.
“It makes me feel really good because they (donors) don’t even — they haven’t even heard of me,” said Bode. “That they take time out of their day and donate a couple $100 means a lot.”
“I just can’t even believe what he’s been able to do,” said ACHF president and CEO Saifa Koonar. “He’s inspired people around him to give and this this young boy has done this and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Bode has his own reasons for fighting to help the more than 100,000 sick and injured kids that visit ACH each year.