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Effingham County teen is National 4-H Youth in Action Civic Engagement winner
Effingham County teen is National 4-H Youth in Action Civic Engagement winner.
“4-H has set me up for a lifetime of self-discovery, growth, and inspiration. It has helped me see challenges as opportunities. My legacy will not be wealth; my legacy will be what others have learned from me. The mark I leave will be felt for a long time."
Elizabeth Weidner faced the overwhelming reality of a pediatric cancer diagnosis at age 12. During her first hospital stay, her family made many trips to the store. Elizabeth launched a program to collect toiletries and snack food for local children’s hospitals to help families like hers. Partnering with 4-H clubs and friends, Elizabeth has donated more than 60,000 items to five different children’s hospitals for families of pediatric cancer patients.
Elizabeth advocates for childhood cancer awareness, research, and funding. Her 4-H experiences equip her to confidently advocate for childhood cancer research on Capitol Hill. As Junior Miss Effingham County Fair Queen, she created Crowns Fight Cancer and furthered that mission as Miss Central Illinois Outstanding Teen 2020.
“4-H has empowered me to grow as a leader, not only in my community and state, but on the national level in spite of my long journey with Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma cancer," Elizabeth says.
Elizabeth works closely with a number of advocacy groups in the battle against childhood cancer, along with helping Ronald McDonald Houses and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in multiple states. Elizabeth uses her 4-H and pageant experience to tirelessly advocate for those too weak to speak. She finished an extensive social media campaign during National
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month while being treated at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She is one of four American Childhood Cancer Organization/Amazon Ambassadors.
She is a national ambassador for American Cancer Society #GoldTogether, working with youth to raise awareness and action. This past relay season, she raised $23,000 for her Effingham County Crowns Fight Cancer #GoldTogether team.
The Weidner family is a multi-generational 4-H family. Elizabeth's parents, Jennifer and Matthew, are 4-H alums. Her three brothers are members of the Country Cousins and several special interest clubs.
“It truly has been a family affair with 4-H at every level," Jennifer says. “We are absolutely thrilled at the opportunities 4-H gives youth, from city to country, as a place for everyone to succeed!”
Elizabeth doesn’t let hospital visits stop her from being active. “Because of my disease, I’ve had to be creative, innovative, and think outside of the box. Kids can’t fight cancer alone; communities can’t progress without active participation; and adults can be influenced by the actions of kids."
So, Elizabeth continues her quest with courage, determination, and a smile that melts hearts wherever she goes.
Elizabeth Weidner, 16, of Dieterich is the recipient of the 2021 National4-H Youth in Action Pillar Award for Civic Engagement for her advocacy for pediatric cancer awareness, research, and funding, and her commitment to supporting the families of pediatric cancer patients.
by Judy Mae Bingman
