Four Chicagoland Schools Team Up to “Smash” Cancer“Everyone has the power to make something good happen.” These words drive the mission of the Cancer Smashers, a group of 10 to 17 year-old kids who are dedicated to battling cancer by raising funds for the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. This young group from the western suburbs is part of the H Foundation, which has raised more than $4 million to support breakthrough basic science research at the Lurie Cancer Center over the past 11 years. With the help of Cancer Smasher co-directors Beth Tischler and Meaghan Dunne, the Cancer Smashers led their first fundraising event in January and brought a fun, competitive spirit to the festivities. For one week beginning January 20, these kids teamed with classmates at four elementary and middle schools in the western suburbs. The Lace and Eisenhower Schools in Darien competed against the Prairieview and Lakeview Schools in Downers Grove, selling $1 “fists” to raise money for the Lurie Cancer Center. Those who purchased “fists” filled in the name of an individual for whom they smashed cancer, and were encouraged to display the fists at their schools. “Even though we are competing, we do so together to fight cancer,” said principal Mike Fitzgerald at the January 20 kick-off at Eisenhower School. Lakeview’s principal Paul Windsor agreed: “Let’s smash some cancer all together!” Lace School principal Marty Casey and Prairieview School principal Janeise Schultz also were integral to this effort, motivating the kids daily through their announcements of fundraising totals. Channel 2 news anchor Rob Johnson served as the emcee at the kick-off and inspired the crowd. Alongside cancer smasher mom Dena Provenzano, Mr. Johnson donated the first $20 toward the cause, eliciting loud cheers from the entire student body. But the excitement was not over. After “cancer smasher” Aimee Dragas and Eisenhower student council member Nicole Perillo shared the details of the challenge, a large group of Lakeview School students entered the auditorium amid playful boos. The schools shared their Cancer Smasher videos and lightheartedly teased one another’s determined spirit. With school colors ablaze and students sharing in their excitement, all four schools promised to do their best in the week to come. And they did just that. Together, the Lace, Eisenhower, Prairieview, and Lakeview Schools raised an amazing $23,000 in that week, all of which will be donated to the Lurie Cancer Center.  | Students from Eisenhower, Lakeview, Lace, and Prairieveiw schools of the Chicago-area western suburbsgathered on January 20 to kick off their Cancer Smashers Challenge |
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