6-Year-Old Boy with Cancer Sells Hot Chocolate in the Cold for Hours, Raises $6,500 for Sick Kids

Children are known for their innocence, lively streak, and caring hearts. Often, they engage in acts of pure love and kindness that serve as shining examples for people of all ages. Interestingly enough, the youngster in today’s story did something similar, despite his own ordeal.

Matthew McDonnell was the beloved son of Linda and Patrick McDonnell, and they lived happily in South Abington Township, Pennsylvania. In January 2014, at the tender age of three, the couple’s little boy was diagnosed with stage four Wilms tumor, a pediatric kidney tumor.

Thereafter, he underwent major surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and trial immunotherapy sessions. But through it all, Matthew remained strong and courageous and continued spreading laughter, joy, and love.

He Had an Idea

The McDonnells were constantly amazed by their son’s beautiful heart and compassion for those around him. In the fall of 2016, little Matthew accompanied his mother on a trip to the grocery store, and on their way back, he shared something that made her even more proud of him.

The family’s prayers were answered when in 2017, the doctors gave their beloved boy an all-clear sign.

A Heart of Gold

Linda said her boy expressed a heartfelt desire to do something to help kids battling cancer. She noted that she wasn’t surprised because she had always seen Matthew put others before himself.

The proud mother recalled instances when her warrior son was undergoing treatment at the hospital, and whenever he heard a child cry, he said, “Mommy, I feel bad for them. I will pray for them.” Linda stated that it was in her boy’s nature to think of others first, even while experiencing challenges himself.

His Inspiration

Although Matthew wasn’t yet clear about what he wanted to do, the idea struck him after he learned about Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a non-profit aimed at raising funds for childhood cancer research, created by a Connecticut youngster who died from neuroblastoma in 2004.

Because winter was just around the corner, Matthew decided to do something that involved his favorite drink in the chilly weather—hot chocolate. To help realize the wish of their sweet boy with a heart of gold, Linda sought permission from her locality to use a park, while Patrick helped construct a cocoa stand.

The Fundraiser

On Saturday, December 10, 2016—the only day the six-year-old boy was free from his cancer treatment—he set up “Matthew’s Miraculous Hot Cocoa” and raised $6,500 in only two hours while working in the freezing cold. The McDonnells donated the amount to Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Loved ones, friends, acquaintances, and even complete strangers lined up to make the fundraiser an overwhelming success. Many community members even donated paper cups, plates, and other wholesome goodies, including marshmallows, cookies, and donuts.

A Beacon of Light

It was a pleasant sight not just for the McDonnells but for the whole neighborhood—all thanks to the enormous heart of a little boy who emerged as a beacon of love, light, and joy for everyone in his community.

Linda and Patrick were no strangers to their son’s sacrificial and loving nature. But after the fundraiser’s success, everyone witnessed his selflessness and how he carved out a path to help other children experiencing the same ordeal.

The Caring Boy

When asked what motivated him to engage in such a noble act, Matthew said that he cared more about the other children than himself. His pure heart and affection for others assured his family he would survive the odds. Linda noted that her son hardly felt demotivated, adding:

“He completely trusts that God will heal him at just the right time!”

He Knew His Purpose

According to the McDonnells, their beloved boy was incredibly outgoing and amiable and loved being around kids. Despite his painstakingly difficult journey with cancer, little Matthew refused to lose hope or give up, which spoke volumes about him.

Linda mentioned that her ray of sunshine aspired to become a doctor so that he could heal people. Despite being in her 40s, the Pennsylvania resident said there were many moments when she had trouble defining her purpose of existence, and yet:

“[Matthew] is 6 years old and knows exactly what his purpose is. He is, by far, my greatest inspiration.”

Documenting Their Warrior Son’s Journey

Matthew’s parents documented their brave son’s journey on their Facebook page, “Team Matthew”; however, later, they renamed it “Matthew’s Hope 4 Miracles.” The family’s prayers were answered when in 2017, the doctors gave their beloved boy an all-clear sign.

In a post shared on February 24, 2020, Linda and Patrick thanked everyone for their love and support and sang praises to God for blessing them with a miracle. A part of the caption read:

“It was three years ago today that our amazing surgeon, Dr. Michael LaQuaglia, from Sloan Kettering came out of the OR beaming and saying ‘he’s fine! It came out in one piece!'”

Undoubtedly, kids like Matthew are special and deserve to be loved and protected at all costs. His family and friends are lucky to have him, and we hope he continues to inspire people with his beautiful heart.

Click here to read another story about a five-year-old cancer survivor who decided to forego birthday presents for gifts to the hospital that saved him.