JWALK FOR JAREN CMHS Students Walking For "Jaren"
Reported by: Darrah Wilcox
Web Producer: Darrah Wilcox
Reported: May. 1, 2012 5:19 PM EDT
Updated: May. 2, 2012 9:59 AM EDT
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Ona
, Cabell County
, West Virginia
They're playing tug-of-war, corn hole, football, wrapping up the final days of their freshman year at Cabell Midland High school, but this day has really taken on a much bigger meaning. Freshman academy director Lauren Blankenship says,
"You know what started as a small afternoon event for our freshmen class bloomed into a full-day event and know an evening for the community to reach out to Jaren."
18-year-old Jaren Jefferson is a senior who recently had a double lung transplant. He was diagnosed as a child with cystic fibrosis. Now, classmates are "J-Walking for Jaren," raising money and awareness for his family and the disease.
Freshman Keaton Kaplan says, "You know, there's great vigor and enthusiasm. It's enjoyable, and it's for a great cause, and the morale is much higher."
They are having fun, while helping a fellow Knight. Teacher Kirstin Sobotka says, "They're really great at looking out for each other. They want to take care of their own. Even though it's a senior who needs the help, our freshmen feel like the dutiful little brothers and sisters who just want to help out the most they can."
Blankenship says, "Knowing that tragedy can strike a good family, good people, but there are people in a small community, tight-knit, and that's what they want them to take away today."
The community is also invited to walk at the football field from 6-8:00 Tuesday night.
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Darrah Wilcox
