Putting the “Yay” in Pajama Day
For students and staff at schools around the region, CHOP’s annual Pajama Day fundraiser is not just a chance to be extra coxy at school for the day, it’s also an opportunity to support a cause near and dear to their hearts.
Clara Barton Elementary
Pajama Day is one of the students’ favorite days at Clara Barton Elementary. This year’s event will be extra special – students will be raising funds to support brain tumor research in honor of one of their own students, Laney, (pictured) a first grader and cancer survivor. When Laney was 2½ years old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was a difficult time for Laney, her older siblings at Clara Barton and her entire family, says her mom Nichole Mood. The school community rallied around the family – providing gift cards for meals and extra support to the family. Since her diagnosis in 2018, Laney has undergone five surgeries, two rounds of chemo, 63 infusions and 25 rounds of proton radiation. Today, Nicole says, “students get to see a miracle walking down their hallways – a miracle CHOP made possible!” Laney is thrilled her school is raising funds to support brain cancer care and treatment for other kids like her. Adds her mom: “More Pajama Days equal more breakthroughs!”
Groveland Elementary School
Supporting the community has been an integral part of the culture at Groveland Elementary School since it was founded more than 20 years ago. One of the most popular charitable events the Doylestown, PA, school holds each year is Pajama Day. School Nurse Stacey Hickmott says it’s a great way to support CHOP – an organization near and dear to their hearts because so many of the school’s students – including her own son (pictured) – have been supported by or treated at CHOP. Pajama Day is a chance to honor past students and support kids currently battling illness. Adds Hickmott: “What could be better than a Pajama Day to raise money for CHOP?”