Helping Hands and a Heart of Gold
ROLLA, Mo. – At just 16 years old, Brooklyn Raines is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. A senior at Waynesville High School, she balances academics, athletics and extracurricular activities like National Honor Society and Way-Med, a program for students exploring healthcare careers. But what sets Brooklyn apart is her heart for serving others.
Growing up in a family committed to giving back nurtured her spirit of service from a young age. Brooklyn learned that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Her parents, Brittany and SSG Casey Raines, created a culture of service through community volunteerism and initiatives like Project Warm-Up, leaving coats, hats and gloves around town for those in need.
The Spark of Inspiration
Brooklyn’s compassion became personal when a childhood friend was diagnosed with cancer. Wanting to lift her friend’s spirits, she assembled a small care package filled with comforting items. That simple act sparked a bigger idea—creating care packages for patients at the Delbert Day Cancer Institute (DDCI).
Through Way-Med, Brooklyn had the opportunity to visit the DDCI and see firsthand the daily challenges patients face.
“It made me realize how much something small could mean to someone going through such a hard time,” she said.
Bringing Comfort to Those Who Need It Most
Motivated by her visit, Brooklyn carefully assembled cancer comfort kits—bags designed to bring encouragement and support during treatment. Each kit is unique, decorated with uplifting quotes and messages of hope. Inside, patients find items like neck pillows, cozy socks, peppermints, ginger chews, playing cards, activity books, a faith-based bracelet, towelettes and even bottles of Sprite.
Brooklyn also spoke with people who had experienced cancer treatment to make sure the kits met real needs. To bring her idea to life, she shared an Amazon Wishlist with her community, and the response was overwhelming. As box after box arrived at her home, Brooklyn felt uplifted by people’s kindness. Over a single weekend, she assembled nearly 30 individually crafted kits.
Delivering the kits was especially meaningful.
“It was incredible to see the impact right away,” Brooklyn said. “I hope patients know someone is always in their corner.”
Local patient Jordan McConahay received one of Brooklyn’s bags and shared just how meaningful it was.
“Receiving that bag meant more than I can put into words,” Jordan said. “It was such a beautiful reminder that people care and that we are not alone.”
Brooklyn believes giving back doesn’t have to be loud or complicated.
“Silent acts of kindness are so important,” she shared. “You never know what someone is going through, and just being there, even in a small way, can mean everything.”
Helping Hands Today, Healthcare Leader Tomorrow
With dreams of a career in emergency medicine, Brooklyn plans to continue creating comfort kits and is exploring other ways to serve in healthcare, such as the Phelps Health Volunteen program.
“You don’t have to do something huge to make a difference,” she said. “Just start. Even small acts can have a big impact.”
Brooklyn’s story is a powerful reminder that compassion knows no age, and that one person, with a simple idea and a generous heart, can bring comfort, hope and light to those who need it most.
About Phelps Health
Phelps Health serves over 200,000 residents in south-central Missouri. Phelps Health is county-owned, non-tax supported and overseen by a five-member elected board. Phelps Health employs more than 1,900 people, including 100-plus providers. Phelps Health, which includes a hospital licensed for 240 patient beds, serves a six-county area, with its main campus and several clinics in Rolla, Missouri. Phelps Health also has clinics in Salem, St. James, Vienna and Waynesville, Missouri. For more information, visit phelpshealth.org.
