Scoff 2nd Graders 'Pay It Forward' for Cystic Fibrosis Research

Representatives of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation dropped by Beverly Skoff Elementary School in Romeoville Thursday afternoon to thank Angela Parent’s 2nd graders for raising money to help further research into the chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of children and adults.

The students raised approximately $300 by selling “Valentine Grams” to Skoff students and staff in February. The Valentine Grams consisted of a special note and a sucker. Half of the $300 went to the CF Foundation and half went to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.

“You are all so incredibly wonderful and amazing to help us,” said Emily Rich, Development Manager for the Great Illinois Chapter of the CF Foundation. “Thank you for all you did. You guys are awesome.”

Rich and Emily Smith, also from the CF Foundation, talked about the genetic disease and how it involves a mucus buildup in the lungs and elsewhere in the body, discussing symptoms, treatment, medication and diet. The students have also spent class time discussing cystic fibrosis.

Rich indicated the 2nd graders’ donation will go toward research “to find more medicine to help more kids” like Dylan, a former Lukancic student who was in Ms. Parent’s class two years ago when she started the tradition of raising money for the CF Foundation.

“You are paying it forward,” Rich said.