WAVE Country 12-year-old creates birthday fundraiser in memory of mom

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - A Louisville girl has turned her heartbreak into profits. But not for herself.

Shelby Young lost her mother in 2017 due to kidney-related complications of diabetes.

For her birthday, Young is asking for donations instead of gifts to help people suffering from medical issues similar to the health problems her mother did.

The 12-year-old is raising money for the Kidney Transplant and Dialysis Association.

Young used the birthday fundraiser tool on Facebook, which she said exceeded expectations.

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The tool allows Facebook users to request donations to a cause or charity in lieu of gifts.

"I started off at $100 for my goal. I never thought it would be a big thing, and we reached 100 in less than an hour. So we're hoping maybe to get about $1,000 by my birthday," Young said.

Young set a goal of $100 and collected $475 within 24 hours.

At last check, the page had met it's goal of $1,000 for the cause.

Young's birthday isn't until the 29th, so there's still time to help. A link to donate can be found here.

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