Following in His Brother’s Footsteps
9-Year-Old Casey Wisel Raises Funds for Haiti
In 2005, after the Indian Ocean Tsunami, then 11-year-old Jesse Wisel felt compelled to raise money to help those impacted by the unthinkable natural disaster. Jesse and his friend, Jake Richards, made bracelets and sold them, raising nearly $2,000 to donate to Project HOPE’s Tsunami relief efforts.
Fast forward to 2010 and another devastating natural disaster – the earthquake in Haiti – and the Wisel brothers are showing compassion again. This time, it’s Jesse’s younger brother, 9-year-old Casey who felt compelled to help the people of Haiti. Casey raised nearly $1000 for Project HOPE’s relief efforts in Haiti by making bracelets and selling them at school and church.
After hearing about all the suffering in Haiti caused by the earthquake and remembering how his older brother Jesse had supported relief efforts after a similar natural disaster five years earlier, Casey’s mother Lisa said her son immediately began making bracelets. “He wasn’t overly emotional about it, he just got to work,” she said.
But later, when he realized how much he raised and how much he would be able to contribute to help the people of Haiti, he asked his mother, “Mom why do I feel so good right now?”
“I told him you feel so good because you are helping other people,” Lisa Wisel said.
John P. Howe, III, M.D., President and CEO of Project HOPE, had the privilege of personally accepting Casey’s older brother’s donation five years ago. When Dr. Howe found out he would be travelling to Boston near Casey’s home, he made sure to make arrangements to meet with Casey as well.
Wearing one of Casey’s bracelets, Dr. Howe accepted the cigar box with $876.25 from the young donor. “Project HOPE appreciates all our dedicated donors, but there is something extra special about accepting such a heartfelt donation from a 9-year-old young man who worked so hard to make life a bit easier for the people of Haiti,” Dr. Howe said. “It was an emotional moment for Casey, his mom — and HOPE.”
Photos by Chitose Suzuki from Boston University.