Catholic students raise money during Lent to help fight blood cancer and save lives

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A nickel can seem like a lot of money for a youngster. So, when they collect a handful or two, it’s exciting. Imagine putting that money towards something spectacular.

That’s what the students at Our Lady of Guadalupe School dreamed about Wednesday morning.

Last year, the school of just 103 students raised more than $500 for the Pennies for Patients campaign run through Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). The first day of Lent marked the first day of this year’s campaign. They hope to beat last year’s total.

More than 125,000 students at 250 schools in the greater Kansas City area are participating in this year’s campaign. The local goal is $300,000. Nationally, Pennies for Patients will raise three million dollars.

The money raised funds life saving research and innovative patient services.

For the students, all it will take to help save a life is a box full of pennies, nickels and quarters.

41 Action News will keep you updated as Our Lady of Guadalupe School and others wrap up their campaigns and turn over big checks to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

41 Action News Reporter Beth Vaughn is a media partner with LLS.