Giving the gift of another birthday

Lani Warren and Riley Johnson have been friends for as long as either can remember, and with birthdays just six weeks apart, have always wanted to celebrate with one party.

This year, to celebrate their 11th birthdays, the girls again approached their moms about a joint party - but this party had a twist.

"They came to us and said 'We want to have a birthday party together, but we don't want gifts. We want people to donate money to St. Jude,'" said Lani's mom, Sandra.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tenn., provides care for children with various diseases at no cost. Families do not receive a bill, and funding for the hospital and its services are completely donor provided.

The girls were introduced to St. Jude through Sandra's cousin, Noni, 7, who has aplastic anemia. Noni received a bone marrow transplant and still receives services through St. Jude.

"Noni's experiences piqued their interest, and from there they began to research St. Jude," Sandra said.

Riley began watching YouTube videos about St. Jude, said her mom, Mandy, and was impressed that children could receive care at no cost.

"One thing I learned was that the hospital staff really tries to provide for children. One little boy loved Christmas, but he wasn't expected to make it until Christmas. St. Jude helped his family to have Christmas at Halloween for him," Riley said.

To let those they invited to the party know they preferred donations to St. Jude rather than gifts, the girls created flyers that explained what St. Jude was. Because both girls are involved in dance, travel ball teams and church activities, it was decided they would have their party on Valentine's weekend.

"It really fit with our theme, which was 'share the love,'" Lani said.

Some of the girls friends were surprised that they were willing to give up their birthday gifts to help others.

"I told them it was something that I felt like in my heart that we needed to do, and if I was in that position (a patient at St. Jude) I would want to have someone donate to help me," Lani said.

The girls' party included love themed decorations, as well as poster boards with information about St. Jude they learned from researching the hospital. They also wore matching purple St. Jude T-shirts for the party.

Riley and Lani had a fundraising goal of $500. When the amount raised at the party was announced, they were surprised to learn they'd more than doubled their original goal.

"We were just floored," Sandra said. "We had kids show up with presents and donations, and while we didn't invite the girls' teachers, they also gave donations."

Donations are still being accepted, and can be made online at stjude.org. Click ways to give and then dedicate your birthday. From that page, search birthdays and enter "Riley and Lani."