Making A Difference: Tylyer

SUBURBAN BOCA RATON, FL -- High schoolers tend to have a lot on their mind this time of year.

FCATS, Spring Break, and prom are just a few of the things. 

One teenager in Suburban Boca Raton seems to have something much bigger on his mind and in his heart.

This story started in Spanish River High School's Little Sharks Preschool program.

Tyler Turner, 15, is one of the many 'Big Sharks' in the Teacher Education Program.

Spanish River High School students in the Teacher Education Program work in the classroom with the preschoolers and their teachers.

These days this 'Big Shark' is doing big things.

"I've raised $2,600," says Tyler.

Tyler has lead the way in raising $2,600 for 4-year-old Jessica Milanese.

Jessica has leukemia.

She was in the Little Shark Preschool class until her January diagnosis.

"I remember they were making cards, get well soon cards, for her and they were all signing the cards and they asked me to sign the card and that's when I found out," says Turner.

Tyler then decided to help Jessica's family out with the medical expenses.

"He's selling bracelets," explains Jessica.

Turner ordered 'Fight for Jessica' bracelets and t-shirts and has sold them at school.

Sisters Samantha and Sabrina Macedo are helping Tyler too.

"I'm really proud of him starting out and doing something to help out and then he came to us and was like 'Hey, can we help?" says Samantha.

"Because some people I think they thought 'Oh there's going to be other people helping out so don't think they'll need me' but anyone can help because if you sell one bracelet, you are still getting money for Jessica and that will help out in the long run," adds Sabrina.

Jessica's mom, Christine, says she is speechless.

"Amazing... you dont think of 15-year-olds doing that and they're just opening up their hearts and minds and the compassion is just overwhelming," says Milanese.

Tyler, his fellow friends and students aren't the only ones landing a hand.

Spanish River High School is stepping up to the plate as well.

Pizza party fundraisers have been held and donations were collected after the school play.

It was the Wizard of Oz.

Jessica watched and was a big fan of her classmates who played the munchkins.

In class the little munchkins are big fans of hers.

Little do they know that they too are helping Jessica feel better.

If you would like to help in the Fight for Jessica, log on to http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewLink.do?method=executeInit.