ROY, Wash. — Rylin Caramandi is like a lot of other kids. She has lots of fun in the kitchen.
"I love baking," she says.
And she knows what she wants to be when she grows up.
"Either an astronaut or a veterinarian."
But this 10-year-old is also a big-time philanthropist, working hard for the past few years to support the people and the place that has changed her life.
Rylin was born with a cleft palate, a condition that has required multiple surgeries and many months of speech therapy at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma.
She cherishes the mementos that nurses and doctors have given her like the beads patients are rewarded for each of their surgeries and other acts of bravery.
"They're called Beads of Courage."
Rylin wanted to support the work performed at Mary Bridge and knew exactly how to do it.
"She's just a sweet girl and she likes helping people," her father, Dustin, says.
Rylin took her love of baking and crafting and turned it into cash.
In 2018, she sold nearly $300 worth of homemade cookies and candies to neighbors and friends.
"Next thing you know, it was crazy," Dustin says. "Every night on the phone and on her computer, like, oh my gosh, this person wants 10 candles; this person wants five."
Rylin adds, "We've raised $665.72 this year."
As Rylin hands over this year's donation, speech pathologist Kristen Bishop says, "To still think of us here at Mary Bridge is pretty incredible. Hospitals are not a normal place for kids to spend their time, and this money will help to make the hospital just more of a normal place for our kids."
Rylin will be selling those cookies and candles again next holiday season.
Her mom Chelsea says, "We're gonna start this summer on the candles and then we'll be prepared."
A caring heart paired with caring hands can bring a lot of good to people who need it.
If you'd like to follow Rylin's lead and support Mary Bridge, you can visit their donation page.
This story is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente. KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.