Isabel Aks may only be 12 years old, but she’s already a budding entrepreneur, selling her beautifully crafted “Petals for Parkinson’s” duct tape pens to help fundraise for Parkinson’s research. For $5 each, Isabel sells her pens to friends at school, her parents’ friends and other family members who are interested – she’s even begun taking custom orders!
After her father’s recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, Isabel felt the need to get involved: “I wanted to find a way to raise money for him and other people affected by Parkinson’s, so I took a hobby that I enjoyed and combined it with fundraising for a cure.”
While cutting and folding all the duct tape for the flowers is tough and can take a while, Isabel is artsy by nature and loves seeing how pretty and unique each one turns out. She wants to help encourage kids to get involved in a cause that means something to them, as well. “My advice to kids who are interested in fundraising is that if you have a hobby that interests you, you can always take it to the next level and make a difference!” What’s next for Isabel? Organizing a formal sale, and branching out to include friendship bracelets to help raise even more money.
You can read more about Isabel on her Team Fox fundraising page, and make a donation to receive your very own handmade pen!
Editor’s Note: From pancake breakfasts to high school fundraising clubs, teens and youth around the country have found unique ways to support Team Fox in their communities. Read their inspirational ‘No Age for Team Fox’ stories to learn more about how you too can get involved!