Pierre Kids Raise $60K Fighting Cancer Since 2015

Students at Kennedy Elementary School in Pierre, South Dakota, are proving that generosity knows no age limit. For the ninth year in a row, these young fundraisers have met their goal of raising thousands of dollars to help local cancer patients and their families.

The friendly competition called "Kennedy versus Cancer" ran through the first two weeks of May. All 19 classrooms competed to see who could raise the most money, with a collective goal of $7,500.

The kids didn't just ask their parents for donations. They set up lemonade stands throughout Pierre, mowed lawns, sold homemade jewelry and bracelets, and even ran pickle pop sales. One kindergartener years ago turned a milk jug into a pig and walked around her parents' workplace collecting donations.

Every dollar raised goes to Countryside Hospice in Pierre. The organization helps cancer patients with travel and lodging costs when they need treatment. Before the Helmsley Cancer Center opened in Pierre in 2018, patients had to travel to Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or Aberdeen for treatment.

Third-grade teacher Megan Deal brought the idea to Pierre in 2013 after attending an American Cancer Society meeting. When Kennedy Elementary opened in 2015, the tradition continued and has now raised more than $60,000 total.

Sunny's Take

The impact hits close to home for many staff members. Jolynn Haberling, a tutor at Kennedy, underwent 16 chemotherapy treatments and eight weeks of radiation after her stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis in 2020. Watching students rally around a cause that saved her life brings tears to her eyes.

Char Kosters, another staff member and 25-year cancer survivor, has been on the fundraising committee since day one. Katie Berg's mother beat breast cancer, making the students' efforts even more meaningful to her family.

For teacher Mallory Smith, the program teaches something bigger than math or reading. Students learn empathy, creativity, and community service while developing real-world skills like handling money and speaking confidently with adults about important causes.

The final fundraising total will be announced at an all-school assembly on the last day before summer break, giving these young heroes one more reason to celebrate.