$139K Raised In 3 Days For LTHS Student

LA GRANGE, IL — Lyons Township High School senior Cole Lagowski has lost both his parents, so a GoFundMe page was set up to help him.

Ten days before Christmas, Lagowski's father, John, died. His mother, Robin, died in April 2020, according to the GoFundMe page.

Three days ago, the GoFundMe page was set up. It has raised just shy of $140,000. The goal is $150,000.

The top donations of $3,000 and $2,000 come from anonymous sources. The page has drawn 1,500 contributions so far.

Lagowski is living with a Lyons Township High School family "who love him and are happy and lucky to have him," the page said.

"Cole does not have the luxury of a safety net from life insurance or other sources of funding," the page said. "He is faced with decisions we would not wish on any kid. Cole is an amazing, strong and resilient young man and has an incredibly bright future ahead of him."

The money from the GoFundMe page is set to help Lagowski in the next steps in his education and future endeavors, according to the page.

Lagowski, who graduated from Gurrie Middle School in La Grange, was on the Lyons Township High School football team. His career ended with a torn ACL and meniscus. He underwent a successful surgery in October and has had months of physical therapy, which he will now have to pay for, the page said.

Lagowski has decided to remain at Lyons Township High School for the remainder of the school year.

In response to the avalanche of donations, his grandparents, Ken and Lynn Lagowski, said on the page that because of the help, "our Cole WILL have a future."

"We know Cole doesn't personally know many of you, but be assured, he has you in his heart," they said.

Resident Cordelia Coppleson set up the page.

Editor's Note: Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.