Kids donate allowance to brain cancer research

Three brothers. One mission. 

Parker, Harrison and Oliver Broach typically donate 10% of their allowance to a charitable cause of their choice.

"We want to give money and be nice," says 7-year-old Oliver.

But most recently, the boys decided to pool all of their money — from allowances to Christmas gifts to little bits saved here and there — to support a cause that hits extremely close to home. 

The Broach brothers donated $400.75 to support brain cancer research at MD Anderson through the Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research. Established by their mother, Jamie Broach Byrd, and their late father, James Broach, the Broach Foundation promotes funding for education and research so that effective treatments, and ultimately a cure, can be found.

"We don't want any other people to die," says Parker, 10. "We want them to live longer and not be in so much pain."

To date, the Broach Foundation has funded more than $4 million for brain cancer research.

"It was really heartwarming to see them save all this money, look outside of themselves and be willing to contribute to a cause to help others," says Jamie. "I think James would be really proud of them." 

Harrison, 9, hopes his friends and other kids his age are inspired by their gift. 

"They should do it too!" he says. 

The Broach Foundation's sixrh annual Stand-Up for Brain Cancer gala, April 6 at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, featured comedian Kevin Nealon and raised more than $530,000 for brain cancer research.