By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald Correspondent
RCC students raise money for leukemia, lymphoma: three families at school affected by the disease
|
RCC students collected $4,071.74 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The fund-raiser had special meaning for these children, as they have been directly impacted by the diseases. Pictured are, front: Meagan Reid, left, Kirsten Reid and Molly Willging; and back: Gordon Tromp, left, Caitlin Reid, Toni Reid, Miranda Tromp and Ryan Willging. (Photo by Mary Grieco) |
RHINELANDER --Students at Rhinelander Catholic Central have held fund-raisers in the past, but rarely has one been so successful as the one recently completed for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A total of $4,071.74 was raised for research in the "Coins for a Cure" effort. Students and staff have a particular interest in the cause, since three families who have students at RCC have been directly affected by the diseases.
Lymphoma claimed the life of Miranda and Gordon Tromp's father, Dave, in October 2001. Now in first and second grade, the children eagerly saved and donated their coins for the fund-raiser.
"I was so proud of the kids," said their mother, Sandy. "The response was overwhelming."
Bob and Deirdre Willging and their children, Ryan and Molly, have been dealing with Bob's leukemia for several years. They, however, are optimistic about the future.
In January 1999, Bob had a bone marrow transplant and is now considered to be in remission. According to Deirdre, he will be considered cured if he continues to do well for one more year.
During 79 days of hospitalization the life of 5-year-old Kirsten Reid hung in the balance as she fought acute myeloid leukemia, a disease that claims half of its victims. To see her smile today, no one would believe the challenges that the brave youngster and her family have faced. Kirsten's last chemotherapy treatment was Feb. 23, and she can't wait to be able to resume normal activities in a couple of weeks. Next fall, she will be a kindergartner at RCC. Two of her sisters, Meagan and Caitlin, are also RCC students and involved in the fund-raiser. Her oldest sister, Toni, is a senior at Rhinelander High School.
Kirsten's parents, Gordon and Mona, are impressed and grateful for the fund-raising effort and for the support they received from families and staff at RCC as they spent endless days with Kirsten in Madison.
"It was easier on us, because we had our children here at this school," Mona said. "The hugs, the prayers, the food...it was all incredible and overwhelming at times. It was like the hand of God working through this school and the parishes."
An official presentation of the generous donation will be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this week. A friendly competition was held among the classes to see who could raise the most money. Seventh graders came out on top, but all students at both buildings enjoyed a pizza party this week, thanks to Pizza Hut and private donations. The fund-raising effort was organized by Denise Bilogan, vice president of the Home and School organization.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2003