MOUNMENT, Colo. -- When you hear the words: "Dad has cancer," it is hard not to worry, especially when you are only 9 years old. But a 7Everyday Hero is fighting back. Her efforts are helping everyone diagnosed with cancer.

In September 2007, Fred Wolfe of Monument was diagnosed with lung cancer.

"It was rough. When we first found out he had cancer it was a downer. We cried for weeks," said Fred's wife, Nancy.

At the time, the Wolfe's daughters were still in elementary school. Morgan was just 11, and Mason was only 9. But Mason had a very grown-up idea.

"Shortly after Mason came to us and said: 'Dad, I don't like this. I want to do a fund raiser,'" Fred recalled.

Mason decided to start selling candles to raise money for cancer research.

"It is better than doing nothing and we could be helping somebody," said Mason.

"We thought it would just be a one-time thing. Make a little money and send it off and it would all be over. But everyone said:'We want more candles. Will you keep doing this?' And we said: 'Yes,'" according to Mason's mom, Nancy.

Mason calls her program "Mason's Wish."

Today, it is now a full-fledged nonprofit that sells candles and also games. It even has its own website. In two years time, it has raised more than $16,000 for cancer research. Mason's classmates at Creekside Middle School in Monument have been inspired.

"It is easy for middle school kids to get very into themselves and yet Mason did bring us together for a great cause," said school Principal Karyn Collette.

Mason's efforts have also helped her family. Her dad is doing fine today, but his battle continues. "Mason's Wish" provides a positive focus.

"It just makes us proud as can be that we are moving positively forward all the time and not dwelling on what could or might be bad about the whole situation," said Fred Wolfe.

"It makes you feel better. It is not as sad as it would be if you were not doing it because you know you are helping someone else and they are not going to feel the same way," said Mason.

The soft spoken girl with a big idea has gained the admiration of a whole community, and is helping others battling cancer.

To find out how you can donate to Mason's Wish, visit www.MasonsWish.com.