BREMEN, Ohio — It’s rare to meet someone who’s had 20 surgeries… much less a little girl. That’s the story of 11-year-old Onna Sanders.
But now, she’s giving back in a big way.
What You Need To Know
- Onna Sanders has 36 different health complications and has had over 20 surgeries. She’s only 11 years old.
- Nearly 2 years ago, Onna started giving back to other sick children at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
- She’s collected 2,200 baby dolls and action figures for pediatric patients.
- Onna shares a message of hope for those in the hospital.
Onna’s mission is to collect dolls and action figures not for herself, but for sick children, but how did it start and why?
“When she was first born, she didn’t have a perfect life,” said Nicole Roby, Onna’s mom.
Onna’s been diagnosed with 36 different health complications, including scoliosis, and has been in and out of the hospital for many surgeries
“She’s had 22 surgeries,” said Nicole Roby. “The latest one, she’s one of ten in the U.S. who has had this intense of a scoliosis surgery. You never want to see your child in pain.”
But through the difficulties, Onna’s heart remains full of love. That’s why for her 10th birthday she asked for a chance to give back to others instead of birthday presents.
“I told mom and said ‘We need to do baby dolls,’” Onna Sanders said. “And everyone helped me.”
The reason Onna decided on baby dolls is special.
“They need baby dolls to hug sometimes,” Onna Sanders said.
Nearly two years later, Onna has collected 2,200 dolls and action figures and said she wants to collect the dolls ‘forever’ because the children ‘need them’.
As Onna continues to help other sick children, she has this message for those in the hospital right now.
“After the surgery, it gets sad and you’re hurt, but after, you feel tons better,” Onna said. “I was through that. I know. It gets better.”
Onna’s next toy drive starts up again in July, but to make a toy donation now, reach out to Robynicole41@yahoo.com.
