'Kindest Kid' in America Hails From Madison

The kindest kid in America hails right here in Madison.

Congratulations goes out to Sierra Preveza, who was named the ‘Kindest Kid’ according to the Today Show. Sierra was one of 5 finalists of the Sprout’s Kindest Kid Contest. She won for the work that she does through her organization, Childhood Cancer Kids.

According to the Today Show wesbite, Sierra, who battled cancer, visits hospitalized cancer patients, bringing them gift bags or sharing yoga-inspired breathing techniques to help them relax during treatments. She and her sister started the Childhood Cancer Kids, and her win helped secure a $5,000 charitable donation from Sprout.

Sierra’s principal, Kathryn Hart said Monday: “Sierra is an amazing girl and we are so proud of her recognition as the Kindest Kid! No matter what she does, she has a big smile, great attitude, and a lasting impression.

“She is a true inspiration to others. Last year, she worked with me and the Jeffrey Community Service Committee to organize a pajama day and read-a-thon. Students lined the hallways to read and made donations to support Sierra in her goal to raise $10,000 for Make a Wish,” Hart said.

“When we heard about the nomination for Sierra as the Kindest Kid, we helped spread the word to families across the district. The brief 3 minute video highlights a few of the challenges she has endured in her first 7 years of life, but most importantly, shows the impact she has had on other people in 7 short years. This is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see what she will accomplish next!” Hart said. 

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice said “Sierra’s kindness and thoughtfulness is both inspiring and humbling.

“It is remarkable to think that a 7 year old has such a deep capacity for empathy, even in the midst of her own battle. Kindness spreads. Her story is one that will reverberate throughout the town, and now the entire nation. This is a special young girl, and obviously, a very special family. I understand that her sister, Emalena, along with mom and dad, have provided a great deal of support for her efforts. We are fortunate to have a family such as theirs in our community,” Scarice.

This is what NBC Today show wrote about Sierra when the contest was launched this fall.

Doctors diagnosed 7-year-old Sierra with cancer two years ago after discovering her kidney was “the size of a grapefruit,” she recalled to TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager.“

After finishing her treatment, Sierra wanted to raise awareness about childhood cancers, as well as money for research. The Madison, Connecticut, youngster started the Childhood Cancer Kids program with her big sister, Emilina.

The charity has already helped raised $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

When she’s not busy raising awareness, Sierra is visiting young cancer patients to raise their spirits. She shares advice and brings hospital patients gift bags or shows them breathing exercises and yoga-inspired relaxation techniques.

Sierra’s dad, Doug told the Today Show, that he initially worried about what kind of impact his daughter’s cancer treatment would have on her.“I started to worry that she was going to be a victim,” he said. “And this really transformed her from being a victim to being a champion. And I can’t be more proud.”

Photo courtesy of the Today Show.