Ten years ago Hope Stout, an amazing 12-year old girl battling a rare form of bone cancer, captured the hearts of Charlotte and the nation with her extraordinary display of generosity. When Make-A-Wish volunteers asked Hope what wish they could grant for her, she asked how many other children were waiting to have their wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina, where she lived. Hope’s wish was that the other 155 Wish kids would be granted their wishes. A million dollars was needed to grant those 155 wishes.

Keith Larson, WBT radio morning host, read about Hope in The Charlotte Observer. He interviewed her on December 19, 2003. Hear the interview with Hope Stout and Keith Larson here. “Those 11 minutes and 50 seconds changed my life,” said Larson who still replays that interview every December on his show.

Larson was heavily involved in the fund-raising effort that raised $1,116,000. Sadly, Hope passed away two weeks before the final fundraiser, the Celebration of Hope gala. Although Hope didn’t live to see her wish fulfilled, those 155 kids whom she cared about more than herself received their wishes. Hope’s legacy continues today. Learn more about Hope Stout at MarchForthwithHope.com and ThatSeasonofHope.com.

We are proud supporters of Make-A-Wish. Visit Wish.org for more information.