Roman Conquers Malaria

Have a birthday coming up? Getting ready for a housewarming get together? Want an excuse to throw a party? Look no further than 8-year-old, Roman Johnson, for an inspiring reason to raise the roof.

For his latest birthday, Roman asked friends and family to give him money to donate to Malaria No More, instead of giving him gifts of toys that he didn’t need. He even cashed in checks from relatives to get the giving pot started. At his party, parents of friends were at first confused by the birthday twist but then caught on that Roman was celebrating by being charitable and contributed as well. In the end, Roman raised $250, which will help provide 25 children with lifesaving bed nets, insuring that they’ll be around to celebrate their next birthdays.

Thanks, Roman! Not only did your birthday wish of saving lives come true, but you made someone else’s birthday, too!