Originally published 10.2011 in the Madison Weekly News
Students and faculty across Madison are donating their time and efforts to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Founded in 1962, by entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude is a leading pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children's catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center in which families do not pay for treatments that are not covered by insurance. Danny Thomas believed that “no child should die in the dawn of life.” Since its inception, St. Jude has treated children from across the United States and 70 countries.
The St. Jude fundraiser is an annual campaign for Madison City Schools. “Most of our schools have students who are either current or former patients of St. Jude. This fundraiser is a way that our students can help other children in need.” said Dennis James, Student Services Coordinator for Madison City Schools.
Team Madison City Schools is participating in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Administrative staff, teachers, and parents will be running in the Memphis Grizzlies House 5K, the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon, and the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. The team fundraising goal is $50,000.
For Columbia Elementary, this year’s fundraiser is a personal mission. In September, Columbia kindergartner Emmy Harrison completed radiation treatment for Spitzoid Melanoma at St. Jude. To celebrate the end of her treatment, Emmy’s family is throwing the “Emmy's No Mo Chemo Celebration” on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Madison United Methodist Church.
“There will be a carnival, art classes, catering, bake sale, and silent auction. It's free to come and everything benefits St. Jude through Team Madison City Schools' fundraising goal. This is just a small amount of what will be at Emmy’s No Mo Chemo Celebration! We have so much in the works right now and we are looking forward to a fun and fabulous party for Emmy and St. Jude!” said Emmy’s mom, Rebecca.
Picket Fence Studio will be making handprint and footprint canvases for $10 and Ashley’s Creative Catering will be selling box lunches. All of the proceeds will go to St. Jude. The Harrison family will also be participating in the December run in Memphis. For more information, go to Emmy’s No Mo Chemo Celebration facebook page or visit www.mystjudeheroes.org/emmyh.
Each school in the district has created its own unique fundraiser in which students can have fun while helping to raise money for St. Jude. Mill Creek Elementary is currently selling pumpkins from Tate Farms to raise money for St. Jude. Horizon Elementary School teacher and Alabama Teacher of the Year Gay Barnes is participating in the Memphis run. West Madison Elementary students are participating in “Penny Wars”, in which the class that brings in the most spare change receives an extra recess and a popcorn party. One of the more popular St. Jude events at West Madison each year is “Sit with a Friend Day.” Each student donates $2 to sit with a friend at lunch.
West Madison Principal Valerie Jah and kindergarten teacher Kymberly Mittman will be participating in the December run in Memphis in honor of friends and former students. “Mrs. Mittman has a friend named Sasha who we are running in honor of. We are running also for Dylan, a former student of WM. He was diagnosed with cancer several years ago and is a patient as well at St. Jude.” said Dr. Jah.
In addition to the Memphis Marathon, Madison Square Mall will be hosting the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk on Saturday, November 19. The walk starts at 8:30 and registration is free. This is an event for the entire family, with activities planned for children in addition to the walk. For more information, visit the St. Jude website.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Harrison
