'We help friends' motto for Boise sibling band Runaway Hamsters

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — The sibling quartet band "The Runaway Hamsters" has one goal in mind: Helping others. "Our motto is we help friends," said Isabella Keen, the older sister and leader of the band.

The Boise natives love their hometown--splitting their time between the Gem State, Los Angeles and Nashville. Isabella, along with her younger siblings, triplets Abby, Gabby and Riley, started their group after an act of kindness. A few years ago, one of their friends had a brain tumor and they wanted to help.

"They were like mommy, what can we do," said Barb Keen, the children's mother. "Maybe we could play him some music!The siblings quickly made a CD to raise money for their friend's hospital bills. "I thought they could raise maybe $100," said Steve Keen their dad. Not only did they exceed expectations, but the Hamsters also gained national media attention.

Soon, Barb and Steve were getting phone calls from producers across the country. Since then, the Hamsters have been able to hone their musical ability: Creating albums, starring in their music videos, and playing on the big stage. "We've opened for Andy Grammer, and we've played in the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville," said Abby Keen.

But, despite meeting stars like Dolly Parton, the spotlight and fame, the kiddos stay true to their original mission.

"When we helped our friend with cancer, we were like, well that made us really well so we kept going and going, and now we are here," Gabby said. To this day, the Hamsters preform at charity events, volunteer at food banks, and are ambassadors for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. "It's not fabricated," Barb said. "They love their music, and they love helping others."

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