I am finally a senior! I have applied to 10 amazing colleges in pursuit of a biomedical engineering degree, I have taken my senior pictures, paid for my cap and gown, and I have had that sudden realization that this Texas girl is going to need a new wardrobe with all of the Northeast schools on my application list. While many things have come and gone, one thing that has stayed steady in my life is my passion for RMHC - Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas.

For those just joining me in my life adventure, 8 years ago I was hospitalized, and it took the grace of God, many doctors and nurses, weeks at Dell Children's, and a year of crazy amounts of medicine to help me recover. But I survived and was able to return to the many activities I love and live to experience these lasting senior memories.

To celebrate and appreciate everyone who helped me heal, I pay it forward each year by raising money to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas ( rmhc-ctx.org ). So far, with your generous help, we've been able to raise more than $25,000 over the past eight years, and that's gone a long way to provide for families in need.

I want to go out with a bang, so I’ve set a goal to raise $6,000 this year. The money you donate will provide meals for these families, rooms for them to stay in, and toys for the children to boost morale. Your support really matters, so I hope you will join me in paying it forward, whatever your story may be. And please pass this on to others who might be willing to help!

This senior’s moving forward, but won’t be forgetting those who have helped her soar. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible and has helped families during their times of need. Closing this chapter out, and eager to start the next. But together, one by one, we can continue to be a positive change in this world.

Thank You!

McKenna Kerns

PS. Several of the colleges I’m looking at have Ronald McDonald Houses near the campus, and you can bet I just might be volunteering at one of them by this time next year!