Caldwell Heights Elementary students swapped their regular school clothes for pajamas Sept. 26 as part of “PJs for a Cause,” an annual fundraiser supporting pediatric cancer research.
The event, held during September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, encouraged students to donate at least $1 in exchange for wearing pajamas. Funds raised benefit The Cure Starts Now, a nonprofit dedicated to pediatric cancer research.
“It’s important to teach kids empathy and caring for their community,” said Caldwell Heights counselor Stacy Aleskin. “I also think it’s really cool for our population to step up and give a dollar and see the difference it makes when it all comes together.”
Events like PJs for a Cause help foster a strong school community, building a positive learning environment and a sense of belonging for students.
Last year, Caldwell Heights was the top-donating school, raising $1,310. This year, students and staff surpassed that total with $1,325 in donations to The Cure Starts Now Foundation in conjunction with Team Brock, a local chapter that honors children battling cancer.
The local effort honors Brock Fleming, a former Blackland Prairie Elementary student who was diagnosed with DIPG, a rare pediatric brain cancer, in first grade.