Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - A Wisconsin teenager and his family arrived at the Rochester Ronald McDonald House on Monday with quite a load - more than a million pop tops from aluminum cans.

The House has been a home-away-from-home for 16-year-old Seth Bayles and his family while he undergoes treatment at Mayo Clinic.The teen was diagnosed a few years ago at Mayo with an autoimmune disease that is so rare it has no cure - or even a name. Every few months, Seth makes the 600-mile round trip from Bristol and back for treatment.

When he and his family found out about the current fundraising drive to expand the RMH, they decided to pitch in. Seth spearheaded an effort in his hometown of 4,000 to collect 1 million of the pop tops. They started May 1.

pop tabs collected by Seth Bayles-photo by Kim David, Townsquare Media
pop tabs collected by Seth Bayles-photo by Kim David, Townsquare Media
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Mayor Brede gives Key of the City to Seth Bayles-photo by Kim David, Townsquare Media
Mayor Brede gives Key of the City to Seth Bayles-photo by Kim David, Townsquare Media
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While it has taken organizations months if not years to reach that goal, Seth has already gone over 1 million. They were turned over to the RMH on Monday and will be added to this year's overall total.  The RMH collects between $10,000 - $15,000 during an average year from local contributors.

Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede was on hand Monday and thanked Seth and his family. He also proclaimed this week “Pop Tab Week” in honor of Seth’s efforts.

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