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MINGO JUNCTION -- Hills and Cross Creek elementary schools are teaming up once again to raise money in an effort to find a childhood cancer cure.
Both schools will conduct a weeklong campaign Sept. 14-18 in observance of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and students can pay $1 per day to take part in the Caps for Kids with Cancer hat day activities. Each day will include a different theme for toppers, and all proceeds will benefit the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Pediatric Cancer Research Center. Last year, the schools raised a total of $1,788, and organizers are hoping for another successful moneymaker.
Among the themes are crazy hats on Monday, bandanas on Tuesday, sports caps on Wednesday, favorite hats and pajamas on Thursday, and camo hats on Friday. Past fundraisers have culminated with teachers cutting their hair to donate to causes such as Wigs for Kids, while the school campaign has raised roughly $18,000 overall for cancer research.
"This is our 14th year doing Caps for Kids, and Cross Creek Elementary is also participating," said organizer Virginia Pawelczyk, a third-grade teacher at Hills. "We are still trying to raise money, and we're grateful that there's nobody locally who needs it, but there is still a need for cures and to make sure there are no secondary illnesses."
Cross Creek Elementary Dean of Students Makenzie Householder said her school has been involved for four years, and students are learning how to be leaders through the cause.
"We are doing the same as Hills, and we've talked about leadership roles and helping our community, so the students are excited to help with this project," Householder commented.
Meanwhile, this year's donation will be made in remembrance of former student Brayden Tipton.
Pawelczyk's efforts hold a significant meaning since her eldest son, David, was diagnosed with a brain tumor as an infant. Following 31 rounds of radiation and three rounds of chemotherapy treatments, he is thriving today as a junior at Indian Creek High School and Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, where he is studying in the health technologies program with hopes of one day becoming a nurse. He is also an athlete who has participated on the golf and track teams.
Pawelczyk herself has continued to advocate for families and children impacted by pediatric cancer, saying the government only funds 4 percent of the research, but the need is ever-growing because there are 200 different types of brain cancers, as well as numerous soft tissue and blood cancers. Her hope is that the fundraisers help find cures for all pediatric cancers and support research facilities that are developing treatments that do not cause secondary illness.
"We're bringing awareness that September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and all kids deserve to grow old," she concluded.
Any local businesses or community members interested in donating to the cause may email Pawelczyk at ginny.pawelczyk@iclsd.org.