Whitewater High School in Fayette County is excited! The faculty and students recently kicked off their campaign to help find cures for cancer and provide help and hope to thousands of patients and their families. The entire school is collecting spare change through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients program.

Last year, Whitewater High School raised the most money in the state’s Pennies for Patients campaign, raising over $10,000. This year they have set the bar even higher with a goal of $34,000! If they reach their goal, Whitewater High School could raise the highest amount of money of any school in the nation. In addition, reaching their goal means that Principal Greg Stillons will ride his bike 100 miles around Fayetteville—a promise he made to motivate the students.

Pennies for Patients is a value-building program for elementary and secondary schools. Students collect money, starting with their own spare change, to support the society’s research and patient services programs. The top classroom in each qualifying school receives a party. But more than that, they receive a valuable lesson in giving back.

“This is a story of kids helping kids as well as the greater community,” said Dick Brown, executive director of the Society’s Georgia Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under the age of 20, so there is a critical need for research and patient services. More than 747,000 Americans are battling leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma today, so every penny really does make a difference. We are so proud of these students. They serve as examples for others to follow.”

The students and faculty are participating in Pennies for Patients in honor of Keegan Puckett. Keegan’s older sister attends the school. Keegan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May of 2003 and is currently undergoing treatment. You can learn more about Keegan’s battle with cancer on his website at www.caringbridge.org/co/keegan.

Registering for the society’s School & Youth programs is fast and easy at www.schoolandyouth.org. Teachers, parents and school administrators may also call Amy Stapleton, School and Youth Campaign Coordinator at 678-279-2044 for more information.

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