Young Cancer Survivor Gives Back To Cincinnati Children's Hospital Through Magnified Giving
February 5, 2021 | Written by Lindsey Barta
9th grader Isabella Battle survived leukemia as a child thanks to the care and treatment she received at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. As a young philanthropist in Magnified Giving, she used her voice to give back and fight for treatment for others.
During her three years in the Magnified Giving program at Springer School and Center, Isabella presented in front of her entire middle school to advocate for nonprofits in the grant-making process. At first, this made her nervous, but the experience helped her grow as a public speaker. She says, “The first time, it was a bit nerve-racking, but then it was fun, and I just liked answering people's questions about the organizations and just presenting in front of the class. I learned how to project my voice and add emotion into it.”
At a virtual Giving Circle in the spring, Isabella used all of that speaking practice to advocate for an organization she believes in: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She says, “I knew they were working on the Covid-19 vaccine, and I knew that they're really good with their research because they helped save me from cancer with their research, and they've developed so many other really good treatments.” Her presentation compelled her peers, and together, they voted to grant the funds to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital infectious diseases research program.
Isabella was overjoyed. Her mother, Monica, is proud of her daughter’s efforts and thankful for her experience in Magnified Giving. She says, “Programs like this allow them to learn the skills of advocacy, and to say ‘Wow, I really can make a difference. I just made a difference!’” When Isabella learned that Cincinnati Children’s would be receiving the grant, she felt amazing: “It was this overwhelming ‘yay!’ overall. I was just super happy that I advocated for them and that the other people in the group also thought that they should get the grant and that they could make a difference with the money. It just felt really good.”
The funds were granted during a special virtual Giving Circle in spring 2020, when so many in-person activities were halted as a result of the pandemic. Isabella and several other students came together to cross-educate one another on nonprofits they care about and to choose one organization to receive a Magnified Giving grant. Watching the Giving Circle, Isabella’s mother, Monica, was so excited that her daughter was participating. She says, “I felt really honored that my daughter could be a part of the collective group of people that I was listening to. And I’ve got to tell you, every single teenager on that call was phenomenal. I mean, it literally blew me away. I just felt really inspired, to be honest with you, for the future. It was pretty powerful to hear every single presentation - they were all so wonderful.”
Isabella was also excited and inspired by the Giving Circle with fellow young philanthropists. She says, “It was inspiring that so many other people also care. And it was really amazing just seeing everyone else's presentations and hearing them talk about their organizations. Just the support in the group too - like even though not everyone could win the biggest prize, everyone was very supportive of everything, and it was amazing.” It’s powerful to get young philanthropists in a room together (even a virtual one!) and give them a voice. Giving Circles give us the opportunity to involve students, families, alumni, donors, and people spanning multiple generations in cross-education about important issues and worthy nonprofits.
Monica Battle is proud of her daughter and her growth as a young, passionate philanthropist. She says, “If you teach kids at this age how they can impact the world and impact change, I would like to hope that that grows and becomes infectious, and then truly, these kids will be able to change the outcome and change trajectories of just how we are as human beings. We need more of this.” Isabella already has a plan to change the world. She says, “I see myself being a philanthropist by using the gifts I have, like I'm good with animals. So if I can, I want to volunteer at different places where I can use my gift with animals, like at an animal shelter, and be able to give my time and my talent to help others.”
Isabella already used her voice to make an important contribution to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital through Magnified Giving. With transformative philanthropy education and experience in her toolbox, and her supportive mother beside her, we know that Isabella will use her skills and talents to help change the world.