School celebrates survivorship of young cancer patient
6/12/2012 10:33:49 AM by Linda Garrity
Students at St. John the Baptist School in Kenmore presented schoolmate Patrick Connolly with a check for $2,558.47 to support his “Ride for Roswell” during Field Days at the school on June 8.
Moreover, the the St. John the Baptist School community celebratedg the survivorship of the third grader. Patrick was diagnosed with leukemia in 2009 when he was just six years old and has been undergoing treatment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. It was this challenge that prompted Patrick to participate in the annual “Ride for Roswell” to raise funds for his hospital.
When middle school students at the school learned of Patrick’s situation, they wanted to extend their support and came up with the idea of “Pennies for Patrick.” What started with a couple kid-inspired fundraising ideas has blossomed into a series of fundraisers that has generated over $5,000 dollars for Patrick’s ride over the past three years. Each year, the student body looks to devise innovative ways to raise funds as a sign of their support.
This year, students collected over 300 pounds in coins. Additionally, prizes totaling over $800 were donated for a raffle to generate funds.
This year’s ride will be particularly exciting for Patrick. Patrick just completed his last chemo treatment and will be riding “free and clear” in June! Patrick says that it seemed like 2012 would never come, and now he’s very excited that it’s here! He says he hopes to reach his goal for the place that has gotten him through three years of needle pokes and lots of medication and treatments, all of which has made him better! Patrick is so happy that his St. John’s classmates are celebrating his survivorship by donating to Team Patrick!