It takes over 2 million dollars to run St. Jude for a single day and this 11 year old proved that anyone, no matter how small, can make a big difference. Calista Colwell from Cheer Athletics Fury Cats raised over $15,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and was recognized today at NCA All Star Nationals in Dallas, TX.

Calista raised $12,000 last season, and as soon as NCA All-Star 2016 finished she decided to make a new goal of reaching $15,000. 

Calista Colwell, a DC 4th grader and an all star cheerleader for Cheer Athletics raised $ 12,679 For St. Jude's ?⚡️? pic.twitter.com/fQRMEO9rfR

— Dallas Christian (@DCSChargers) February 24, 2016

She began raising money for St. Jude by doing a few garage sales and donating all the proceeds. Once people found out of about Calista's goal, the money started pouring in. Calista said she never dreamed of being able to raise so much money. 

Social media played a big part in achieving her goal. Using the hashtag #FlipsForTips she got other cheerleaders, including her Cheer Athletics teammates, involved in her cause.


When she is older, Calista said she wants to go on a visit to St. Jude and spend time with the little kids.

This inspiring cheerleader encourages other cheerleaders to get involved and start fundraisers for St. Jude. She hopes to continue raising money for the hospital in the future.