In a 15th annual relay for life, 350 students at Pleasantdale Middle School in Burr Ridge raised $11,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Jennifer Lauermann, Pleasantdale science teacher and event founder and coordinator, announced relay results at a Friday, June 2 rally culminating the fundraiser at Pleasantdale Park District’s Walker Park.
Assisting were Peg Riordan and Cathy Gilmartin, Pleasantdale math and English teachers, respectively, who held aloft an oversized replica check made out to ACS.
Lauermann reported that donations included a near-record $4,000 contributed online. According to Lauermann, donations are continuing to be accepted at www.main.acsevents.org/pleasantdale il.
Stoked by recorded music and bottled water, attendees walked or ran a mile-long path around the park. Some students participated to honor the memory of relatives and friends lost to cancer.
A dozen students who raised more than $100 each were invited to blow soap bubbles to start walkers on their trek.
The celebration has been held annually since 2008 on the school’s last day of classes to raise funds and awareness for ACS.
This year’s goal was to top donations over 15 years to more than $100,000. The milestone was achieved, Lauermann said, by students who mowed lawns and held candy and bake sales to help boost multi-year donations to approximately $106,000.
At a pre-walk gathering, Lauermann asked students to observe a moment of silence to reflect on those the walk celebrated.
“We want to stop this disease in its tracks,” Lauermann said.
“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,” Lauermann said
“Our money is helping save lives.”
A Lisle resident, Lauermann lost her father, the late Robert Federighi of Dallas, Texas, to cancer.
The educator’s mother, Jean Benson of Aurora, is a two-time cancer survivor.
Lauermann spearheaded a 2022 drive by Burr Ridge and Naperville students that culminated when Illinois governor, J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 4261 into law designating dolostone as the official State rock.
She began her teaching career at Hermes Elementary School in East Aurora School District 131 and was recently honored for 20 years of service to Pleasantdale School District 107.
—Jennifer Lauermann