Stanhope students in math-a-thon for hospital

Stanhope - The community has been helping to save lives by sponsoring Valley Road School students in the St. Jude’s math-a-thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital for more than 10 years. “Our goal in holding this event is to help the children of the world who are stricken with diseases like cancer, AIDS, sickle cell disease and other catastrophic illnesses,” said Susan Davis, first-grade teacher and event coordinator. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by the late entertainer, Danny Thomas, and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with the scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization, through events such as the math-a-thon. This year, the students at Stanhope School raised more than $5,000. Andrew Kali, a first grader, was awarded a Plug N’ Play for raising the most donations this year. Valley Road School has risen over $70,000 over the last 10 years of the math-a-thon. The photo is of Whitney Perro, principal, Andrew Kali, top fundraiser, and Susan Davis, math-a-thon coordinator.