Illinois Archery Teams Shoot for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Fundraiser

Illinois archery teams are stepping up to help support youth cancer research!  Multiple teams so far this academic year have participated in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) St. Jude’s archery fundraiser to help raise money so families can focus on caring for their child rather than medical bills. St. Jude’s conducts research to treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. St. Jude’s is NASP’s official philanthropic partner organization nationally.

Multiple teams in Illinois have taken part in supporting the cause including Masters Lyceum Homeschool Edwardsville (Edwardsville, IL), Metamora Township High School (Metamora, IL), Adlai Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire, IL) and Centennial High School (Champaign, IL).  Two teams raised significant funds for the cause – Adlai Stevenson High School raised $2,926 and Champaign Centennial High School raised $3,141. The total raised nationally from November to mid-February is $16,593 with 100% of the proceeds going to St. Jude’s.

This year, Centennial High School’s team has an additional reason to support this youth cause.  One of the team’s own archers is a St. Jude’s survivor. Freshman, Miguel Martinez, was diagnosed at the age of 2 with Acute Lymphoblast Leukemia. His mother, Whitney Martinez, shared that “St. Jude’s saved our son and we will be forever grateful.” The team wore special shirts made with a pink team logo for the event and to support cancer awareness in general throughout the year.

President of NASP, Dr. Tommy Floyd, sent a message of thanks, stating “Thank you for your great work in the St. Jude’s Fundraising NASP® tournaments!  We thank you for your wonderful example and the impact it will make on those that will receive care from St. Jude.  We appreciate you!!!!!”