D230 Relay for Life raises $290,000 for cancer research and support

More than 2,000 Sandburg, Stagg and Andrew High School students united for the District 230 All Youth Relay for Life. For 18 years, District 230 has hosted Relay and teens have raised nearly $4 million to support cancer research and assistance for patients and survivors.

District 230’s Relay is the largest high school fundraising event of any kind in the world and the second largest all-youth Relay in the country only behind Virginia Tech. This year’s event raised more than $290,000.

District 230 All Youth Relay for Life Event Chairs Julie Zielinski (Stagg), Emily
​Krusenoski​ ​(Sandburg), and Jenna Ryan (Andrew) shared the impact Relay for Life has by generating funds for cancer research and to provide support for cancer patients and their families.​​

Andrew High School Science Teacher Jeff Janes brought the crowd of more than 2,000 teens to tears as he shared his daughter Julia’s story of fighting cancer three times beginning with her diagnosis two days after her 16th birthday through her passing in November 2013. Her undeniable spirit and selflessness impacted many in her 20 years of life.

Sandburg High School Sophomore Alejandro Claure shared his personal cancer survivor story with the hushed crowd. He spoke of his diagnosis of osteosarcoma earlier this school year, the unrelenting love and support of his family and friends, and with a bit of humor his desire for students to embrace life, happiness and hope.

“This is truly an amazing effort by our students and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. James M. Gay. “The dedicated efforts of all Relay for Life volunteers make this event a proud part of the District 230 culture. The teens who participate learn that they can make a difference in the world. They make it possible for ground-breaking research to be accomplished, for cancer patients to get rides to their life saving treatments, and for families to get the support they need as they care for their loved ones.”

District 230 School Board President Rick Nogal shared to roaring applause, “This event unites the Stagg, Sandburg and Andrew communities. It is a great example of what we can achieve together.”


Photos Captions

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District 230 All Youth Relay for Life Event Chairs Julie Zielinski (Stagg), Emily ​Krusenoski​ ​(Sandburg), and Jenna Ryan (Andrew) share what Relay for Life means to them. (Background: Adult Coordinators Jake Krutchen, Kristina Bennett, Katie Fitzpatrick, and Sara Sweeney)

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Sandburg High School student Alejandro Claure shares his story of being a cancer survivor with more than 2.000 classmates during the District 230 Relay for Life. (Background: Staff members Maureen Strode, Jake Krutchen, Kristina Bennett, Katie Fitzpatrick, and Sara Sweeney)

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Andrew High School Science Teacher Jeff Janes bring the crowd of 2,000 teens to tears as he shares his daughter Julia’s cancer story. (Background: Staff members Jake Krutchen, Kristina Bennett, Katie Fitzpatrick, and Sara Sweeney)

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In celebration of the event surpassing its fundraising goal, Principals Bob Nolting (Andrew), Eric Olsen (Stagg) and Deb Baker (Sandburg) have their heads sprayed different colors by Event Chairs Jenna Ryan (Andrew), Julie Zielinski (Stagg), and Emily ​Krusenoski​ ​(Sandburg).

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District 230 Superintendent Dr. James Gay has his hair dyed by Andrew High School Teacher Jeff Janes in celebration of the students surpassing their fundraising goal.

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Survivors take the first lap at the District 230 Relay for Life as luminaria in memory and honor of loved ones glow in the gymnasium.