Fayetteville teen raises $11,500 for the Central New York Children's Hospital

SYRACUSE, N.Y. —Ask 13-year old Josh Anbar for his definition of the word "caring" and he'll tell you that it's doing things to help other people. Because he cared, Josh single-handedly raised $11,500 over a summer for University Hospital's pediatric patients and the upcoming CNY Children's Hospital at University Hospital.

An eighth grader at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, Josh Anbar exceeded his goal of $10,000 that he set last year when he began to prepare for his Bar Mitzvah. "My wife, Hannah, and I encouraged him to take on a project that would benefit his community," said Josh Anbar's dad, Ran Anbar, M.D., director of pediatric pulmonary at University Hospital.

Josh Anbar raised the money by requesting donations from his family, friends, family's friends and colleagues and by making more than 100 calls during a Children's Miracle Network television special. Josh has volunteered for the annual television specials since he was seven years old.

Josh Anbar chose the children's hospital because his dad works at University Hospital, but most especially, because of his volunteer work with the Children's Miracle Network.

Children's Miracle Network Director Toni Gary praised Josh Anbar for efforts. "I've watched Josh grow into a very caring young man," said Gary. "His thoughtfulness and his concern for others are remarkable."