The 5th graders at Lowell Elementary School in Wheaton, Illinois, hosted Jack’s Army on Friday, April 11, 2014. They greeted Jack Pribaz, his kid brother Matt, and parents Mike and Liz with big smiles.
The visit gave students a chance to learn a little bit about KCNQ2-related epilepsy and how, even though it is a very uncommon disorder, lessons learned from studying this condition can help researchers understand the bigger picture about epilepsy and its causes.
The kids asked many good questions, most of them on much simpler topics: "What does he eat?" "Can he talk or play?" "What is his day like?" Their curiosity about Jack as a boy shows that at the heart of any support for a cause like Jack's Army lies compassion.
The students received magnets and t-shirts, and also learned about how through the foundation, the website, and social media, Jack’s Army has been able to help find and assist other kids around the world. They were amazed at the impact one little boy can have.
And they took that lesson to heart! The Lowell school community raised $700 for Jack’s Army!
Mike and Liz were blown away. Liz thanks Mrs. Denise Uthe for inviting them to Lowell. She says, "The 5th grade class and teachers really welcomed us with open arms and they were very determined to raise money for the foundation. They are an unbelievable group of kids and we are so happy that they picked the Jack Pribaz Foundation."
After the visit, their teacher had the students write about their experience of meeting Jack and his family. Some of their responses are posted at their school blog. We are touched and grateful for their support.
Mike Pribaz sends out his personal thanks: “This is another wonderful example of this community stepping up to help a family in need. It is so encouraging to see such energetic and caring kids taking part in such an important cause. We could never thank the Lowell family enough for all they have done for Jack and those who share his condition around the world.”
Mike and Liz and the boys look forward to revisiting Lowell on June 10 for a school assembly. They are eager to meet all the amazing students and staff who helped make the fundraiser such a success. See you again soon, Lowell!
