OLHMS Students 'Walk for Wishes'

On a day that was much too cold to be walking outside in shirtsleeves, shorts and sandals, students at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School took turns walking around their school to raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation's Illinois Chapter.

Inspired by Brad Pipala, a 2003 graduate of McGugan who died of cancer, the school’s student council has raised over $400,000 for the organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

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At the 2013 walk-a-thon that took place Friday, the OLHMS wish-granters raised $49,000 that landed them on FOX Chicago’s morning news show.

FOX News Chicago roving reporter and Evergreen Park-resident Patrick Elwood didn’t have far to travel after rolling out of bed early Friday morning and heading to his former stomping ground in Oak Lawn.

VIDEO: Patrick Elwood introduces OLHMS students on Friday morning.

Elwood showcased the walk-a-thon and the school in his “Patrick’s People and Places” segment on the “Good Day Chicago” morning news show.

The real star of the morning, however, was OLHMS seventh-grader Henry Keller, whose been battling bone cancer since the beginning of the school year.

VIDEO: Elwood introduces Mary Pipala, mom of late student Brad Pipala

As Henry’s fellow students walked around the school, many not wearing jackets and some having to be reminded not to run, Henry rode on back of an ATV driven by Oak Lawn police officer Scott Olson.

According to one teacher, Henry told her Friday’s ride around the school and being able to be with other students was the best day he’s had in nine months. The seventh-grader has asked Make-A-Wish Foundation for a trip to Australia with his family this fall.

VIDEO: Interview OLHMS 7th-grader/MAW recipient Henry Keller

On Friday, his classmates helped him and five other children realize their dreams with the $49,000-plus raised by the school's sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders raised in the annual May walk-a-thon.

Since starting the project nine years ago, OLHMS has granted the wishes of more than 60 students.

The top-earning students will be honored at an award's assembly on May 17.