Oprah inspired by 7-year-old fundraiser

CHICAGO, June 18 (UPI) -- Talk-show host Oprah Winfrey is showing her support for a 7-year-old Plainfield, Ill., girl who is raising money for childhood cancer research.

As of Wednesday, Hannah Durante had collected more than $2,900 for A Walk in the Park, a fundraising event held by Six Flags and Cure Kids Cancer, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Thursday.

In addition to sending e-mails to friends and family seeking sponsorship, Hannah and her mother Amy also reportedly reached out to Winfrey, her publicist and other employees of Winfrey's production company, Harpo Productions.

The Sun-Times said a member of Winfrey's staff got back to the Durantes last week.

"He said (Oprah) was inspired. She couldn't believe a 7-year-old was doing this," Amy told the newspaper. "Persistence totally pays off. It doesn't matter if she's a celebrity. She lives in Chicago. She's aware. I know she does good things."

The Sun-Times said Winfrey matched the $1,240 Hannah had raised at the time and posted a message on Hannah's fundraising Web page saying: "Hannah, You have inspired everyone to make a difference. Continue!"