At a special assembly held on June 8, Grand Blanc East Middle School presented a check to CMN Hospitals in the amount of $2,644.70. The funds were raised during their recent Walk-a-thon that was inspired by one of their own seventh grade students, Rebekah Sassack.
Ms. Christa Kline, Team 4 Language Arts teacher, invited members of the class to each present a charity they’d like to raise money for. Since Rebekah had spent time in Hurley’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, her compelling presentation convinced the class to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ program at Hurley Children’s Hospital.
Rebekah’s journey at Hurley began when she arrived there by ambulance last November. She was critically ill. Her right lung was 45% collapsed and her body was septic. She underwent two surgeries and, thankfully, made a full recovery.
“We are pleased to let these students know that the money they raised will stay right at Hurley Children’s Hospital to help our kids,” said Linda Tracy-Stephens, CMN Hospitals Director at Hurley. “It’s inspiring to all of us to see kids helping kids,” she added. Hurley Children’s Hospital is the most northern CMN Hospital in the state and serves a 15-county area extending north to Alpena, west to Mt. Pleasant, east to part of the Thumb and all of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties.
“I’m extremely proud of my students for their immense generosity and compassion,” said Elizabeth Bennett, Team 4 Leader and Social Studies teacher. “The students really took the idea of helping other children to heart – our original goal was $600. The total they collected blew me away!”
Rebekah Sassack encouraged her class to raise money for the CMN Hospitals’ program at Hurley Children’s Hospital.
Photography by Eric Dutro
