In 1999, when doctors diagnosed Kristal’s best friend’s mom with lupus, Kristal was only nine. But she knew she wanted to do something to help. She decided to collect round rocks, paint them to look like ladybugs, and then sell them to help fund research efforts to cure lupus. Her project, called Lucky Ladybugs for Lupus, aimed to raise $1,000 for lupus research.

Kristal obtained permission to sell her work at a friend's store and at her mother's workplace. An article in the local newspaper helped spread the word, and Kristal's first 500 rocks sold out within three months. Sales of Kristal's ladybug rocks subsequently reached well over $35,000, with proceeds going to the National Lupus Foundation of America. Kids in other states contacted Kristal to join her cause.

Kristal continues to contribute to her community. She helped start “Pennies for Puppies,” an initiative to help raise money for veterinary research into finding a cure for animal cancer. Last year, Kristal’s initiative donated funds to help save and care for the animals affected by the hurricane, donating $500 to the North Shore Animal League. Kristal has also volunteered at the local Humane Society, helping find ways of saving stray and abandoned animals.

Kristal DeRuise’s inspiration to help in her community comes from her own personal experiences and her deep empathy with others. She began her efforts to make a difference, but little could she know that her generosity would affect thousands. Today, her commitment to help less fortunate people and all creatures, great and small, inspires this teenager to continue her efforts, and others to follow in her example.

Read More Hero Stories >