Lester School Cancer Survivor Works To Raise Awareness

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Penelope, a fourth-grade student at Lester School, was diagnosed with a rare type of skin cancer in April and is cancer-free now, but her fight hasn't ended. The student has been working to raise awareness about melanoma and has organized "Team Penelope" and has been chosen to be the race starter in a local run to support others who are battling skin cancer, according to District 58 officials.

Penelope organized her friends and family and will take part in "This Run's For Jack," a 5K walk and run that's holding its 16th event in Glen Ellyn on Oct. 20. Staff, students, and others at Lester School have donated to help support Team Penelope.

In addition to raising awareness for Spitzoid Melanoma, the cancer she fought, Penelope must also get quarterly checkups that include ultrasounds and skin checks for the next five years of her life to ensure she stays cancer-free.

This Run's For Jack honors the memory of Jack H. Marston II, who lost his battle with melanoma at age 47. Click the link to learn more about Penelope's battle or to help support Team Penelope.