Mon Feb 08 2010
by Colin McEwen
Reporter
Stow -- Links for Life taught second-grade students from Fishcreek Elementary a valuable lesson this year.
In November and December, the students constructed and decorated paper "linked" chains and sold them for 5 cents each.
Links for Life is a fundraising campaign, in which students sell decorated paper links to members of the community to benefit the oncology unit at Akron Children's Hospital.
The students presented staff at Akron Children's Hospital with a check for $8,504.34 Feb. 22. Fishcreek second-grade teacher Tracy Piatt said she began the project in 1993, and since then, more than $36,000 has been raised for children with cancer.
"I love helping kids and I knew these [children at the hospital] needed help," said Piatt. "It's nice to know that we made other children happy."
Students donned Links for Life T-shirts and attentively watched as officials from the hospital thanked them.
Akron Children's Hospital President and CEO Bill Considine said he was grateful for the students' work.
"We are so proud of what these students have done," he said. "Links for Life helps children get better; and there's nothing better than that."
The students began the project shortly before Thanksgiving, learning about cancer in their health classes. When they returned from the Thanksgiving break, they started the actual work on the links themselves, said Piatt.
The goal was to raise $500 by Dec. 20.; but when the students had raised $600 with two weeks to go, the goal was increased to $1,000, she said.
Piatt said she continued to receive donations after the deadline, bringing the total to a record-high $8,504.34, shattering the previous record of $6,000.
Dr. Jeffrey Hord, the director of the oncology unit at the hospital, said he was proud of the students' efforts. He said the money has helped the hospitals fix up rooms in the oncology unit.
"The amount of money is amazing and unexpected," he said. "Over the years, we have been able to utilize those funds; but the message is the most important part."
Dr. John McBride, chairperson of pediatrics at the hospital, said the second-graders at Fishcreek can set a great example for others.
"The hospital really depends on the support of the community," said McBride. "These students help provide care to kids who don't have it."
After the hour-long ceremony, the students enjoyed punch and cookies and playing with the hospital's two dogs, Monty and Tank.
Considine said the students at Fishcreek are "very special" and everyone at Akron Children's Hospital appreciates their work.
"Links for Life is really about lessons in life," he said.
E-mail: cmcewen@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3916
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