6-Year-Old Pennsylvania Girl Holds Art Auctions for Childhood Cancer Patients

Kaylinh Lundell's 'Draw for a Dream' campaign aims to raise $100,000 for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:05pm

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A minimalist illustration in neon lines and shapes, depicting a young girl holding art supplies and surrounded by colorful, glowing forms that symbolize her artistic passion and drive to help others.A young artist's creative vision sparks a movement to support children battling cancer.Today in Pittsburgh

A 6-year-old girl from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania named Kaylinh Lundell has started an art auction campaign called 'Draw for a Dream' to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, which specializes in treating childhood cancer. Kaylinh was inspired to take action after hearing a commercial for St. Jude's on the radio. She and her mother Tea Lundell have organized art auctions where children can submit their artwork, which is then sold to the highest bidder, with all proceeds going to St. Jude's.

Why it matters

Kaylinh's campaign highlights the resilience and compassion of young people, who are often overlooked in discussions about charitable giving and community service. By leveraging her artistic talents, Kaylinh is finding a creative way to support children battling cancer and provide them with a sense of joy and wonder during a difficult time.

The details

Kaylinh Lundell, who loves to draw and color, was inspired to start the 'Draw for a Dream' campaign after hearing a commercial for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital on the radio. She told her mother, Tea Lundell, that she wanted to do something to help the kids at St. Jude's. Tea then proposed the idea of an art auction, where children could submit their artwork to be sold, with all proceeds going to the hospital. So far, they have four local businesses committed to hosting the auctions. The kids can draw whatever they want, and the highest bidder will claim the creation. Kaylinh's goal is to raise $100,000 for St. Jude's.

  • Kaylinh Lundell heard the St. Jude's commercial on the radio in early 2026.
  • Tea Lundell proposed the art auction idea shortly after Kaylinh expressed a desire to help the kids at St. Jude's.
  • The first 'Draw for a Dream' art auction is scheduled to take place in the coming months at one of the four local businesses that have committed to hosting the event.

The players

Kaylinh Lundell

A 6-year-old girl from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who loves to draw and color, and has started an art auction campaign called 'Draw for a Dream' to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Tea Lundell

Kaylinh's mother, who proposed the idea of the art auctions after her daughter expressed a desire to help children with cancer.

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

A hospital that specializes in the treatment of childhood cancer, which is the focus of Kaylinh's 'Draw for a Dream' campaign.

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What they’re saying

“She wanted to do something about it, and I wanted to support her.”

— Tea Lundell, Kaylinh's mother

“Kids should just dream about other kids, being a kid and having ice cream after dinner from their parents.”

— Kaylinh Lundell

“I just don't want their life to be hard for them. It's not fair for them.”

— Kaylinh Lundell

What’s next

Kaylinh and her mother are currently working to schedule the first 'Draw for a Dream' art auction at one of the four local businesses that have committed to hosting the event. They hope to hold the first auction in the coming months and continue to organize additional auctions to reach their $100,000 fundraising goal for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

The takeaway

Kaylinh's 'Draw for a Dream' campaign demonstrates the power of young people to make a meaningful difference in their communities. By channeling her creativity and compassion into a fundraising effort for childhood cancer patients, Kaylinh is inspiring others and showing that anyone, regardless of age, can take action to support important causes.