Students and educators at Pleasantdale Middle School in Burr Ridge will hold their 15th annual Relay for Life cancer walk fundraiser Friday, June 2.
The event will kick off at 10 a.m. at Pleasant Dale Park District’s Walker Park, 7425 S. Wolf Road in Burr Ridge.
Since 2018, the celebration has been held annually on Pleasantdale’s last day of school to benefit the American Cancer Society.
It will feature students, educators and cancer survivors, walking, music, and refreshments.
The effort’s goal is to raise $3,000 to bring total donations over 15 years to more than $100,000.
Students are raising money by organizing lemonade stands, bake sales, garage sales, walking door to door in their neighborhoods and asking their family members for donations.
“We want to stop this disease in its tracks,” said Jennifer Lauermann of Lisle, walk organizer and fifth grade science teacher at Pleasantdale.
“We have spent the last few weeks fundraising for the American Cancer Society. On June 2, we’ll honor the lives lost to cancer, celebrate survivors, and support the caregivers who so selflessly help others.
“The money our team raises helps the American Cancer Society by helping fund innovative research, providing rides to treatment and places to stay for patients undergoing treatment far from home and offering free information to people dealing with the disease.
“Our money is helping save lives.”
She invited donations to a team page on Facebook at Facebook.com/iheartscience2.
Lauermann spearheaded a 2022 drive by Burr Ridge and Naperville students that culminated when Illinois governor, JB Pritzker, signed House Bill 4261 into law designating dolostone as the official state rock.
A Downers Grove native, Lauermann earned a bachelor’s degree at Illinois State University and a master’s degree from Aurora University. She began her teaching career at Hermes Elementary School in East Aurora School District 131 and was recently recognized for 20 years of service to Pleasantdale School District 107.
—Jennifer Lauermann, Pleasantdale Middle School fifth grade science teacher