Making Science Fun

How do you inspire elementary school children to want to learn and excel in science? It seems like an impossible task, but a local foundation called In Search of Genius  (ISOG) has figured out how to do it! 

This weekend, 500 kids from underserved areas in the Chicago Public School system got together to test what they've been learning at their ISOG after school program throughout the year.   They participated in a science competition held at the Illinois Institute of Technology and their smiles and laughter proved that science can be fun! 

Photo from ISOG Science Competition

"Whether it’s constructing and flying film canister rockets, building and racing balloon cars, or participating in a relay race to act out the process of digestion, learning becomes exciting and something to look forward to, rather than a chore," said Gerry Walanka, founder of In Search of Genius.   

Making science fun is more important now than ever before. A recent Sun Times article by Rosalind Rossi showed how poorly Chicago area students are performing when it comes to science: 

"In eighth grade, a stunning 71 percent of CPS students scored below the most basic science level."

That's why parents are thankful to have after school programs like ISOG helping their students get excited about learning.  

“My daughter has always been interested in school, but now she comes home every Tuesday eager to talk about what she has learned.  She sometimes teaches me new things,” said a Carther Elementary parent. 

The students come away with much more than scientific knowledge.  "In addition to developing students' knowledge of science, we are also driving literacy skills, teamwork skills, leadership qualities, health habits and general life skills while inspiring students to believe in themselves and sparking in them a lifelong love of learning," said Walanka.

Anytime an organization inspires students to excel in school and to believe in themselves, I'd say it's a successful one!  

Take a look at this short video put together by ISOG that shows some of the activities science mentors help with to get the students engaged:

$32,506 for LLS!!

What an amazing number:  $32,506!! That's how much "Team Sarah Jindra & Friends" raised for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man & Woman of the Year" campaign!

Over the last 10 weeks, my campaign team and I have been fundraising for LLS and helping spread its mission by posting heartfelt videos on this site highlighting people whose lives have been impacted by blood cancer.   We didn't have any huge corporate sponsors or donors, but our little grassroots campaign still managed to double our fundraising goal and bring in $32,506!  It was incredibly inspiring to see so many people and local businesses step forward to help us.  I am so thankful to everyone who sent words of encouragement, attended our events and made donations.  We couldn't have done it without you:) 

We didn't end up winning the "Woman of the Year" title, but we did win two of the four citizenship awards for helping spread the mission of the organization and for getting the community involved.  The candidates who raised the most money and won "Man & Woman of the Year" were Jill Pontillo and Kostas Giannoulias.  They brought in more than $100,000 EACH! So amazing!

All of the candidates combined raised a whopping grand total of $637,000!!  All that money goes directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help fund life saving blood cancer research and patient services.

Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign over the last 10 weeks!  It was an amazing experience, heightened by everyone's extreme generosity and compassion. 

Here are some photos from the grand finale gala where the winners and combined fundraising total were announced: 

The Grand Finale Gala was held at Hyatt McCormick on May 20

There was a silent auction and a live auction!

Just some of the many friends and family members who supported me during the campaign!

All the candidates being announced on the big stage!

We won the Community Involvement Award for INSPIRING the community! AWESOME:)

....AND the Mission Award!!!  So exciting!

The 2011 Man & Woman of the Year are... Jill Pontillo and Kostas Giannoulias!

Some members of our team celebrating with our awards!!

Me and Vin Tormo (the inspiring man who nominated me!)

A special thanks to all the members of "Team Sarah Jindra & Friends" for all their hard work:   

Aliza Skolnik, Amanda Foley, Amy Siler, Andrea Myers, Anna Bashline, Bethany Herrera (my amazing campaign manager!), Brent Taylor, Carol Mayer, Catie James, Courtney Lucas, Gary Jindra, Jennifer Ashrafi, Jen Dolan, Jessica Jindra, Justin Jindra, Kathy Jindra, Kristi Vervack & Liz Borges

Piper's Story

One family touched by tragedy has been moved by the generosity and support of their community.

Nearly 5 years ago, Jake and Julie Novak’s lost their little boy the very day he was born. Doctors told Julie she wouldn’t be able to have children after that. Despite the odds, 13 months later, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Piper.
 
The Novak’s never imagined that two and a half years later, they’d be confronted with more devastating news. On June 2, 2010, doctors told them their little girl had leukemia.

“I never imagined that our son would die and that our daughter would be diagnosed with cancer,” said Julie fighting back tears. “We were in absolute disbelief.”

The Novak’s were ready to battle. They weren’t going to lose another child. For a year, they took Piper back and forth to the hospital for treatment. She underwent intense chemotherapy, 11 spinal taps, 3 surgeries and 7 blood transfusions. Piper still has a long road ahead, but today, she starts her last phase of treatment and doctors say they are confident she will be cured!

Over the last year, the Novak’s have been witness to the extreme generosity and support of their family, friends and even strangers.

Piper and Dr. Jen Reichek

Piper’s doctor at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Dr. Jen Reichek, ran a marathon for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training. She made Piper her Honored Hero during the run and hit the pavement in her name. Piper’s family and friends helped Dr. Reichek fundraise for the run. Together, they raised about $12,500 to help fund cancer research and patient services. It’s research that has helped bring the survival rate for children with ALL (which is the cancer Piper has) from 3% to 90% since the 1960’s!

The Novak’s also got big time support from Glenbard East High School, where Jake teaches. Teachers and students participated in a blood drive in honor of Piper. The school had its highest number of donors and Piper was of course the most popular girl at the school!

All the support is what has kept the Novak’s going during this difficult time. “Anytime somebody called us or just sends a card or makes a donation in her name, anything like that, it’s just the fact that we know people are thinking about us. People are amazing. Absolutely amazing,” said Julie.

After a year of hospital visits, Piper is ready to get back to being a social little girl. She’s already signed up for several summer classes including tap, ballet, soccer and taekwondo!  If there’s one thing Julie hopes her daughter takes away from this experience, it’s compassion.

“That’s something we discovered was very important to us. Above all, this is going to teach her that. Because she’s going to look back and see how much love people have shown her and how much support they’ve given her.”

You can follow Piper’s journey on her Facebook page where her family posts updates!

***This post is part of a series to help spread awareness and raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I've been nominated as a candidate for "Woman of the Year" by the organization and have committed to raising money to help fund life saving blood cancer research and patient services.  Over the last several weeks, I've met family members of those who have lost their battle with cancer; I've spoken with people who have been diagnosed and are still fighting; and I've interviewed survivors who have opened up their hearts to share their stories.  Their stories will be posted here.

CLICK HERE to make a tax deductible contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

Cierine's Survivor Story

Cierine Nicolas was diagnosed with lymphoma 10 years ago while in her early twenties.  She had just started working in the "real world" after college and suddenly her life changed.  She was now spending her lunch breaks at the hospital being treated for cancer.  Cierine shares her survivor story and talks about the importance of continued cancer research: 

***This post is part of a series to help spread awareness and raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I've been nominated as a candidate for "Woman of the Year" by the organization and have committed to raising money to help fund life saving blood cancer research and patient services.  Over the last several weeks, I've met family members of those who have lost their battle with cancer; I've spoken with people who have been diagnosed and are still fighting; and I've interviewed survivors who have opened up their hearts to share their stories.  Their stories will be posted here.

CLICK HERE to make a tax deductible contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

Ride Janie Ride

Hundreds of motorcyclists hit the road to raise money for members of their community who are battling cancer.   At the fifth annual "Ride Janie Ride" event, participants helped raise $60,000 for four local families who have all been struck by a devastating diagnosis.

Take a look at how the biker community came together to support a great cause!

Cupcakes For Courage

Keep your eyes out for a big green truck traveling across the Chicago area!  It's filled with the most delicious cupcakes, and the best part is that they're being sold for a good cause! 

Two sisters from Lombard launched "Cupcakes for Courage" earlier this year, after one of them was diagnosed with leukemia.  

Kathryn Pekarik found out she had non-Hodgkin's T-cell Lymphoma in May of 2010.  When friends and family held a benefit for Kathryn, her sister Laura baked a couple hundred cupcakes for the guests.  The tasty treats got such rave reviews, that Laura and Kathryn decided to continue baking together for a good cause.  They created "Cupcakes for Courage" to help keep Kathryn's mind off the cancer treatments and raise money to fund research a cure!  Part of the proceeds from sales go directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The American Cancer Society.

Photo from "Cupcakes for Courage" blog

In February, they bought an old, run down yellow truck.   Much like you used to see on MTV's  "Pimp My Ride," they took the truck from "yuck" to fabulous with some mechanical work and an amazing paint job! Now, the lime green monster is the perfect mobile tool to help spread awareness. 

The sisters have already brought the truck to several events to sell their cupcakes.  I met them at a motorcycle ride called Ride Janie Ride, which raises money to help assist local people with cancer.  This year, the organization chose Kathryn as one of four recipients.  (Stay tuned for a story about that amazing event!) 

Kathryn (left) and Laura at Ride Janie Ride

Kathryn and Laura also offered to come to one of my events for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Woman of the Year" fundraising campaign.  They brought their truck to Stardust Lanes in Addison where we were holding a bowling fundraiser.  Everyone was raving about how good the cupcakes were! Let me tell you, you're definitely going to want to stop when you see this truck... YUMS!!!

Bowlers heading out into the rain to get some cupcakes!!

The various amazing flavors of "Cupcakes for Courage"

Check out the "Cupcakes for Courage" website to see all of the amazing flavors or to place an order online! You can also follow their blog to see where the green truck is heading next!

Lisa Shares Her Story

When I began fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, my sister let me know that a girl from her class in high school was currently fighting leukemia.  Lisa Rapp went to Westmont High School with us and was sharing details of her fight against cancer on her facebook page.


I contacted Lisa to see if she'd allow me to interview her to help spread awareness.  She agreed and I was completely moved by her interview.  She was so incredibly honest and courageously shared with me her hopes and fears during this tough time.  


I can't say enough about what an amazing woman Lisa is.  Here positive attitude and outlook are uplifting and inspiring!  Take a look below at excerpts from our interview: 

***This post is part of a series to help spread awareness and raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I've been nominated as a candidate for "Woman of the Year" by the organization and have committed to raising money to help fund life saving blood cancer research and patient services.  Over the last several weeks, I've met family members of those who have lost their battle with cancer; I've spoken with people who have been diagnosed and are still fighting; and I've interviewed survivors who have opened up their hearts to share their stories.  Their stories will be posted here.

CLICK HERE to make a tax deductible contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

FB Users Help Family

Facebook users came together to help a Little Village family after hearing about the devastating tragedies the family recently faced.

In March, Irma Guzman's home went up in flames and she and her children lost everything. This happened just a year after her husband passed away.

NBC 5 shows how its Facebook friends and other groups stepped up to help:

View more videos at: http://nbcchicago.com.

NBC 5 Chicago: FB Friends Help Family Hit Twice by Tragedy

Meredith Shares Her Brother's Story

Michael Treinen

About three years ago, Meredith Treinen lost her brother to leukemia. She shares his story: 

The Treinen Family also started a foundation in Michael's name. The Michael Treinen Foundation has provided scholarships, organized bone marrow drives and given cancer patients financial assistance. CLICK HERE for more information on the foundation. 

***This post is part of a week long series to help spread awareness and raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I've been nominated as a candidate for "Woman of the Year" by the organization and have committed to raising money to help fund life saving blood cancer research and patient services.  Over the last several weeks, I've met family members of those who have lost their battle with cancer; I've spoken with people who have been diagnosed and are still fighting; and I've interviewed survivors who have opened up their hearts to share their stories.  Their stories will be posted here.

CLICK HERE to make a tax deductible contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

Vin's Survivor Story

Chicagoan Vin Tormo was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008 at 50 years old.  Please watch his inspiring story. He's the reason I became involved with fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

CLICK HERE to make a tax deductible contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

***This post is part of a series to help spread awareness and raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I've been nominated as a candidate for "Woman of the Year" by the organization and have committed to raising money to help fund life saving blood cancer research and patient services.  Over the last several weeks, I've met family members of those who have lost their battle with cancer; I've spoken with people who have been diagnosed and are still fighting; and I've interviewed survivors who have opened up their hearts to share their stories.  Their stories will be posted here.

Janine's Survivor Story

Some members of my campaign team!

As many of you know, over the past seven weeks I've been fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  The organization nominated me (and 13 others) as candidates for its 2011 "Man & Woman of the Year" campaign.  We've all committed to raising money to help fund life saving blood cancer research and patient services.  The fundraising culminates on May 20th with a gala at Hyatt McCormick where the winning fundraisers will be announced.  

In these last few weeks of fundraising, I'd like to share some of the inspiring stories I've heard over the last couple of weeks.  I've met family members of those who have lost their battle with cancer; I've spoken with people who have been diagnosed and are still fighting; and I've interviewed survivors who have opened up their hearts to share their stories.  

I'd like to start by sharing the story of Janine Mills.  Janine is a leukemia survivor who became a pediatric nurse to help give back.  She currently lives in Bartlett with her husband.  Take a look: 

CLICK HERE to donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and help make a difference!