Nineteen sites in Fayette County Public Schools raised more than $14,900 this past school year in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients campaign. Lexington Traditional Magnet School led the way with a $2,800 donation. Pennies for Patients supports research to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and also provides information and services for patients and their families. According to LLS, leukemia remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children under age 20, and blood cancers are the No. 3 cancer killer in North America.
Along with LTMS, schools raising more than $1,000 were Cardinal Valley Elementary ($1,575), Dixie Magnet Elementary ($1,567), Tates Creek High ($1,300), Mary Todd Elementary ($1,282) and Tates Creek Elementary ($1,098). Also donating were The Academy for Leadership at Millcreek Elementary, Arlington Elementary, Booker T. Washington Academy, Crawford Middle, Harrison Elementary, Henry Clay High, Lafayette High, Leestown Middle, Liberty Elementary, Paul Laurence Dunbar High, Squires Elementary, Stonewall Elementary and Winburn Middle School.
“It was so inspiring to know that the Fayette County Public Schools students volunteer and really care about helping others,” said Shelia Gustafson, School & Youth senior campaign manager for the Kentucky and Southern Indiana LLS chapter. “It’s a program that is truly meaningful for them because leukemia is a disease that impacts children. In fact, there are student and faculty blood cancer survivors in the FCPS system. Students learn that they can really make a difference in the lives of those around them.”
For more information, visit www.schoolandyouth.org or call (800) 955-2566.