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Hamilton HS student raises money for former teacher’s family through paper quilling

She didn't forget her teacher's kindness, and returned it in on a whole new level.

Esha Rajadhyaksha makes jewelry through the art of paper quilling, a technique dating back to the Renaissance.

The 15-year-old puts a lot of heart and care into each earing she designs. All the money she earns from selling the pieces are going to help someone else in need.

“I found little Andrew's blog and I was inspired,” said Rajadhyaksha, a student at Hamilton High School.

Eleven-year-old Andrew Burkhart was born with cerebral palsy. Doctors didn't think he'd ever walk or talk.

Yet, he defied the odds. Thanks to nontraditional treatments like stem cell transplants and hyperbaric oxygen treatments, it’s hard to see any effects of the cerebral palsy disorder.

However, the unique treatments cost his parents thousands of dollars out of pocket. They received no help from insurance. ​​​​​​

Rajadhyaksha knows how medical costs can weigh on a family.

“I have family members who have disabilities and cousins with autism. I thought, whatever I can do to help,” said Rajadhyaksha.

There's a twist to this act of kindness.

Rajadhyaksha learned Andrew is the son of her former math teacher at Hamilton High School -- Andrew Burkhart, who helped her love math again.

“There was one time last year where I didn't understand a test question. He actually called my home phone so he could explain it to me, so, I would understand it. He's willing to do whatever he can to help his students,” said Rajadhyaksha.

Burkhart is overwhelmed with his former student's kindness.

“Pretty amazing. Just chose to bless my son,” said Andrew Burkhart.

Burkhart and his wife Kellie have worked tirelessly to find the right care for their son. He is a full-time teacher at Hamilton High School and works two other part-time teaching jobs. Kellie Burkhart works fullt-ime on fundraising and taking care of their son.

“To have a young lady put others in front of her, it's an honor for us,” said Kellie Burkhart.

Andrew Burkhart is not surprised by Rajadhyaksha. He says she has always had a heart of gold when it comes to helping others including her classmates.

“If we had one Esha for every 10 people on the planet -- Utopia, right there,” said Andrew Burkhart.

Rajadhyaksha also put together a paper quilling workshop over the summer break. The money she raised from the workshop is also going to help the Burkhart family.

To learn more about Andrew Burkhart’s remarkable journey, visit his blog: prayforandrew.wordpress.com/our-story.

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