Mokena Schools Raise Over $4k For Alumna Diagnosed With Cancer

MOKENA, IL — Mokena District 159 schools were able to raise over $4,000 for an alumna who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. The district said the three student council groups at the three schools rallied to hold "Coins for Caitlin" fundraisers to support Caitlin Sweeney.

Sweeney and her family were present at an assembly at Mokena Junior High where she was presented with a check to help cover her treatment expenses. The district said Mokena Elementary School raised $254.34, Mokena Intermediate School raised $629.91 and Mokena Junior High School raised $3,472.98 for a total of $4,357.23.

“I just want to say thank you so much to everyone that contributed. I’ve never felt such a strong sense of community since I found out about [the fundraiser]," Sweeney said. "This is truly amazing and overwhelming in the best way. I want to thank every single one of you and Crystal Vargas for organizing this as well."

Sweeney is a college student at Northern Illinois University.