BOERNE, Texas - A local high school student is giving back to a special organization that helped her out a few years ago.

Boerne Champion High School junior Maddie Barber earned more than $30,000 at the Kendall County Junior Livestock Show in early January. Instead of buying a new car or setting it aside for college, Maddie donated it all to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

You see, the teen was treated for brain cancer at the hospital from 2017 to 2018. Maddie said she received a lot of support during her time at St. Jude, and she just wanted to give back.

“Everyone there was super nice, and it was a hard time, especially for my parents, but they got lots of support and so did I,” explained Maddie.

“We want people to know how great of a kid that is. Yes, it's awesome thing that she's done. I mean, this isn't a typical thing that a 16-year-old will do, or 17-year-old will do. It's just amazing and we want everybody to know about it,” said two of Maddie's teachers as they boasted about how proud they are of their student.

Good news: Maddie has been cancer-free since 2018!