St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently announced the successful completion of the Math-A-Thon at St. Matthew School in Tyrone, where students raised $1,121.09 for cancer research.
Math-A-Thon, now in its 25th year, is an educationally-based fundraiser in which students obtain sponsors for the number of math problems completed in special workbooks. The program is nationally sponsored by Six Flags Theme Parks, which provides free passes to the parks for every student raising $35 or more.
St. Matthew School principal, Mrs. Jamie DiDomenico said this year 24 students from Kindergarten through fifth grade participated in the program, which is almost 50 percent school participation.
All the students completed the grade level math workbook. However, it was optional for students to obtain sponsors.
Those students who participated in the fundraiser were also able to receive prizes based on the amount of money they raised. Everyone who collected money received a certificate of recognition. Other prizes awarded included free passes to Six Flags Theme Park, a T-shirt and sports bag.
The top money raiser received a CD boom box. This year, that student was second grader, Sarah Parker, who raised $140.
“Each year we’ve raised more than the year before,” added DiDomenico of the success of the program.
The students who participate in the program learn to do more than just math problems. They also learn the importance of helping children who are less fortunate than themselves. Through the Math-A-Thon, they are able to help provide a future for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Children with more than 200 forms of cancer and other catastrophic diseases find hope at St. Jude.
Since its founding in 1962 by the late entertainer, Danny Thomas, the survival rates for most forms of pediatric cancer have risen dramatically. In fact, today more than 70 percent of all children with cancer will survive their bout with the disease. St. Jude fully credits the successes in treatment to the generous support of people around the world, including the students at St. Matthew School.
“We are very proud of our students for working so hard on the Math-A-Thon,” said DiDomenico. “With their help, St. Jude Hospital will be able to create new treatments that may one day lead to a cure for many forms of cancer that will benefit the children of our state, our country, and around the world.
“I also want to extend our thanks to the Tyrone community for supporting our students. It takes all of us to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer, and we can all feel proud of our response.”
