Miracle Maker

DR. PHILLIPS — For one Orlando Science Schools student, waiting to grow up is no excuse not to serve the community. 

Charisma Tran, 7, is a resident of Dr. Phillips. When she learned about how many children suffer from cancer, and how their childhoods are so different from hers, she wanted to make a difference in their lives.

“The kids at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals … have to go to the doctor all the time,” Charisma said. “It’s important for us to help them get the right treatment and medicine, even if they have no money in their piggy bank.”

Although Charisma is too young to become a hospital volunteer, she and her family created “Project Moo” to independently serve Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. 

Every weekend, either Friday after school or Saturday, Charisma puts on her cowgirl outfit — which was her idea alone — and heads over to Chick-fil-A at 7333 W. Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips. There, she talks to customers about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and childhood cancer to raise awareness and support.

For a $1 donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Charisma allows customers to spin a prize wheel. Every spin is a win — whether free dessert, fries, drinks or chicken at Chick-fil-A. Or donors can choose to take home a small Chick-fil-A beanie toy instead of spinning the wheel. 

Rosanna Tran, Charisma’s mother, said the Trans were struck by how Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals use donations not only for treatments but also to help children at the local Arnold Palmer Medical Center feel more comfortable.

Since Project Moo started last year, Charisma has raised more than $1,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, for which the nonprofit organization honored her by naming her a Miracle Maker.

“That’s a huge accomplishment at any age, but especially at 7 years old,” said Amanda Harris, development coordinator for Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Charisma is helping make miracles happen for local sick and injured kids.”

Charisma is the youngest of four children, and her older siblings have set an example for her of how to serve children who suffer from medical illness. Her sister, Elizabeth, is a student at University of Miami and has raised more than $54,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through the Miss Miracle Charity Pageant and the Model 4 Miracles fashion show. The two Tran brothers, Alexander and Brandon, are involved with Give Kids the World. 

This August, Charisma will be participating in Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Princess Camp. All contributions toward her campaign will benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. To sponsor her at this event, go to helpmakemiracles.org.

Contact Catherine Sinclair at [email protected].