For her tenth birthday, Mia Farrell didn't ask for Webkinz or Barbie dolls or the latest Wii game. Instead, the Bolingbrook girl told her friends and family she wanted them to donate to the Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation's first nursing scholarship. She raised enough money to fund a $500 scholarship for a graduating high school senior headed to nursing school.

"Mia's philanthropic spirit helps us fulfill our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ," said Rick Mace, chief executive officer of Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. "It reminds me of what Jesus said: 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"

Mia recently presented the foundation's first nursing scholarship to Marielle Kopasz, a 2008 Bolingbrook High School graduate who plans to study nursing at Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill. Kopasz, 18, remembers first being bit by the nursing bug when her great-grandmother told her about her experiences as a visiting nurse traveling to patients' homes in semi-rural western New York. For a class project in middle school, Kopasz interviewed a neighbor who was a neo-natal nurse and was impressed when the woman described the wonder she felt while taking care of every newborn life entrusted to her care.

"It was at this moment that I began to desire this experience for myself," Kopasz wrote in her scholarship application. "Combining my admiration for these women and my personal fascination of the miracle of the human body and its healthy functioning, as well as a desire to use my traits of compassion and caring on a regular basis, has led me to Lewis University with the goal of getting my degree in nursing."

The idea to donate her birthday money to charity came up when Mia couldn't think of anything she wanted for her birthday, which was Mar. 11. Parents James and Liza Farrell brought up the idea of reaching out to a charity. Mia loved the idea, so the family began researching local charitable donations. James suggested the Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation after meeting the foundation's executive director, Derek Cazeau, at a community event.

"I've always been interested in helping people," said Mia, who is heading to fifth grade this fall. "I chose the nursing scholarship because it's a new hospital, so they need more workers. And I thought the more workers there are, the more people could be cured from sicknesses."

Kathy Mitchell, chief nursing officer at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, said she is proud Mia was able to present the scholarship to a deserving student.

"We wanted to honor Mia's generosity by giving her the opportunity to award the scholarship, allowing her to see firsthand how her donation will benefit another member of the Bolingbrook community," Mitchell said.

Cazeau expressed his gratitude on behalf of the hospital foundation.

"Perhaps Mia's actions will spur other young people to reach out to others in their community," Cazeau said.

Kopasz, who is active in student council, varsity pom-pons, dance, church youth group, and Girl Scouts, among other activities, was grateful to receive the scholarship. The funds will help offset her tuition costs.

To donate to the foundation's nursing scholarship fund, call 630-312-6000.

Lisa Parro, public relations specialist, Adventist Midwest Health