For Raeann Sleith, it started as a hobby when she was 6, but quickly turned into something that reached far beyond stringing beads to make charming bracelets.

Through her caring ways, what she calls Raeann's Creations has benefited a small piece of the world.

Inspired by her older brother, Derek, 12, who has cri du chat syndrome, and a growing interest in making jewelry, Raeann, now 10, has made enough bracelets to raise more than $12,000 for charities that are related to his rare disorder.

And she keeps on making them.

Raeann is the daughter of Greg and Johnna Sleith, of North Huntington, who also have a son, Greg, 14. Although Raeann is the youngest of the three children, she has always been sensitive to Derek's needs and how a number of organizations have helped him and their family.

That's why she came up with the idea to raise money for Autism Speaks; Autism Awareness; Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children, in Hempfield; Make-A-Wish Foundation; and 5p- Society, a parent support group for families affected by cri du chat syndrome.

Many of the bracelets have been sold at Clelian Heights School in Greensburg, where her brother is a student. There, a glass showcase displays a wide assortment of her creations, each one different.

"I like to donate the money because it will help make my brother happy," Raeann said.

Clelian Heights secretary Jonette Cook, of Rillton, knows the Sleith family and is touched by the bond she said she sees between the siblings.

"You can tell that Raeann really loves and cares about her brother," she said. "She's constantly ahead of him, knowing what he wants. She is a kind-hearted little girl."

Cri du chat syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by partial loss of the human chromosome 5 (also known as 5p-). According to the National Institutes of Health, this chromosome error occurs during fetal development and is not inherited. The syndrome gets its name (French for "cry of the cat") from the characteristic cry of infants born with the disorder. An infant sounds like a mewing kitten because of problems with the nervous system and larynx.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that in the United States, 1 of every 20,000 to 50,000 newborns may be affected.

Children who are affected have other developmental disorders and inevitably need special schooling and therapies, some of which Derek receives at Clelian Heights.

Last year, Raeann was honored at a dinner at the school in recognition for her donations, which were used to purchase special play equipment for the students.

The displayed bracelets are visible to families, visitors and professionals who come into the lobby, and they sell quickly from the case, especially the ones for Autism Awareness.

"People know that the bracelets are for a good cause and they appeal to a lot of people who can personally relate to them," said Mrs. Cook, whose daughter also is a student there.

"Raeann can make them by request, too, and you usually have them the next day. That's how quick she is."

Raeann makes her bracelets from many colors of glass beads and charms that her mother purchases on the Internet.

"I like to make the friendship bracelet," Raeanne said. "It has all the different birthstones."

According to Mrs. Sleith, the autism, faith and Pittsburgh Steelers bracelets are the most popular. There also are birthday and holiday bracelets, ones for sports such as hockey and baseball, and for clubs such at the Red Hat Club. They sell for $10 each. Mrs. Cook is a big fan herself.

"I have remembrance bracelets, autism ones, and I have bought birthstone bracelets for my daughters," she said. "There are even quite a few that I have given as gifts.

"It's nice to have something like this. All of her bracelets are displayed here with little cards saying what each bracelet is, explaining the meanings of the colored beads."

Raeann often makes her bracelets while watching TV, sometimes while not even looking. It just takes a few minutes to string one.

Mrs. Sleith said the bracelets have been a great success just from word of mouth. She joked that she is almost afraid to put the bracelets online, for "it might get even crazier."

Raeann said she expects to make the bracelets for a long time and that proceeds will continue to go to help organizations that support others' needs.

For more information, contact Johnna Sleith at 724-861-5655 or Sleith11227@msn.com.