By Maureen Vander Sanden
Correspondent
The halls of Union Grove Elementary are sparkling with gold stars – each a symbol of one child’s love for another, and an effort to bring awareness toward the fight against childhood cancer.
Last month, the school joined the “Gold in September” initiative, a global mission to raise awareness and inspire action by coloring the world gold – much like pink is to October for the fight against breast cancer.
The childhood cancer project was spearheaded by Hartland’s Annie Bartosz, who lost her 11-year-old twin brother Jack in 2012 to a high-risk form of pediatric cancer.
Since his death, the youngster has been determined to make a difference for kids with cancer through education and fundraising. Last year, her project made big headlines when Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers surprised her with a visit as part of his #itsAaron campaign.
The two went door-to-door in Shorewood speaking to surprised residents about the disease known to be the leading cause of death among children.
Union Grove Counselor Erin Weber, advisor of the school’s Student Council, which led the local effort, said the group chose to go Gold in September because students wanted to help their peers who are battling illness.
“We chose this cause because we have seen students fight cancer. Working with this age group, it is very near to our hearts,” she said.
When Student Council presented the project, Weber said students were eager to help, and raised $1,500 in a mere week through the sale of gold stars that now adorn the hall.
Funds raised will benefit patients at Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee.
The group will use proceeds to purchase items for the Children’s Hospital store, according to Weber, which allows patients to pick out items from its shelves during visits for procedures.
The amount of money and awareness raised “exceeded our expectations,” she added.
Though the fundraising portion of the project has commenced, Weber said there is still work to be done.
Once gifts are purchased for the children, Student Council members will meet to gather items and deliver them, she said.
“It means a great deal to our students that they are able to help others who are similar in age, going through a difficult time,” she added.
For more information about Gold in September or to donate, visit http://goldinseptember.com/.
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