Each September, students and staff at Churchill County School District (CCSD) come together to make a difference, one small donation at a time, and they do it by wearing their cozy pajamas to school in exchange for donations.
The initiative, "P'jammin for Kids with Cancer," has become a beloved tradition in the district. The best part? All the funds raised go to support local Northern Nevada children battling cancer.
The heartwarming story behind this initiative starts with Tiffany Wright, a dedicated teacher at Churchill County High School. In 2012, she founded P'jammin for Kids with Cancer after her daughter Kendrik tragically lost her life to DIPG, a rare form of brain cancer. Wright's motivation was clear: she wanted to help other families facing the same struggles.
Numa's school counselor, Noreen Swenson, also plays a significant role in organizing this event each year. She understands the impact of childhood cancer firsthand, as her daughter, Sara, fought a courageous battle against Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in 2009. Swenson expressed immense gratitude for the Fallon community's support during her family's harrowing journey and after Sara's passing in 2011. This is why she remains dedicated to supporting the cause.
Initially, donations were split between the Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation (NNCCF) and the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO). However, to ensure that the money benefits children and families in Northern Nevada, they now send their donations exclusively to NNCCF.
Tiffany Wright's family discovered NNCCF during Kendrik's battle with cancer. The organization provided unparalleled support and guidance, going above and beyond to assist the family with meals, gas cards, and monthly bills during their most challenging times. They even ensured Kendrik's younger brother, Bransyn, felt loved and cared for. NNCCF also connected the family with other cancer-fighting families, counselors, and therapists, offering a comprehensive support system.
This past September, Churchill County School District came together to raise an impressive $4,893.90, which Tiffany Wright will proudly donate to NNCCF. P'jammin for Kids with Cancer is not just about fundraising; it's about raising awareness and honoring those who are battling, have battled, or will battle this formidable disease. As Wright put it, "No parent ever wants to hear the words, ‘your child has cancer,’ but if those words are ever spoken, organizations like NNCCF are there to help in any way they can.
hat's why I continue to coordinate P’jammin for Kids with Cancer each year and donate to their organization."
This heartwarming tradition reminds us that even small acts of kindness, like wearing pajamas to school, can make a big difference in the lives of children and families facing the challenge of childhood cancer.
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