Shaylinn Tucker smiles for the camera during her most recent Leukemia check-up on the 12th floor of the Children's Hospital at Iowa City.
Shaylinn Tucker, surrounded by her family after she spoke about her experience with Leukemia at Shellsburg. Those attending with her include her mother; her grandparents, Kevin Sr. And Tammi Tucker; her siblings Jordon, Devin and Ashlyn; her uncles Kyle and Travis; and great-aunt Traci. Shaylinn's father, Kevin was unable to attend.
$2128.55
Motivated by their love and concern for a classmate, the students at Shellsburg Elementary made this year's Pennies for Patients Drive a much bigger success than last year's effort.
And in doing so, they've inspired a new Shellsburg family who has been dealing with cancer for nearly nine years.
"We raised almost $1,000 more than last year," says school counselor Angela Sagan. "It was especially meaningful this year because Shaylinn Tucker has Leukemia and shared her personal experience with the student body."
Together, the students raised a total of 2,128.55 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in honor of Shaylinn and her battle.
Shaylinn's story
The fund-raiser was inspiring to the students, as well as Shaylinn and her family.
Shaylinn's mom, Tara, says the students and teachers at Shellsburg have welcomed Shaylinn and her brothers, Devin and Jordon, since their family moved there before the school year started.
And, says Tara, the acceptance they have shown Shaylinn has taken away the shyness she used to have when it comes to talking about her illness.
Shaylinn Tucker during her first Leukemia-related hospital stay, at age 2.
Despite her illness and the pain of treatment, young Shaylinn liked spending time in the toy room at UIHC, says her mom, Tara.
"I would like to say a very big thanks from our family for doing fundraisers for leukemia awareness," said Tara. "It means a lot to us personally and many other families as well."
The Tuckers moved from Cedar rapids to Shellsburg in August.
"The whole school, teachers and students, have been very welcoming and amazing. Shaylinn has always been very quiet about her leukemia because she was afraid of being made fun of, but everyone at the school has been very amazing about it and she is not afraid to tell her story anymore," says Tara. "She has been through so much in just a short 10 years but she is definitely so strong and will continue to kick Leukemia's butt! Everyone has a hero and our family's hero is Shaylinn."
Shaylinn was diagnosed with Leukemia on July 13, 2009, just weeks after her second birthday. She has been in remission for years. Now, says Tara, Shaylinn's cancer protocol includes "just yearly check ups and nightly prayers that she stays in remission."
5F students win top prize
The students of 5F (fifth graders in the homeroom of teacher Lori Franks) were the winners of this year's penny contest, collecting a total of $402.84. Their prize is an Olive Garden lunch and the Gold Pennant.
Shaylinn's family, including parents Kevin and Tara Tucker, joined the students to share in the success and thank them for their efforts.
See complete results of the fund-raiser below>
Results for the Pasta for Pennies Challenge!
Congratulations to"¦.
5F!!!
With a donation of $402.84!
5F receives the Gold Pennant and an Olive Garden Lunch!
Congratulations to 2TB and 5L at a close 2nd and 3rd with $365.68 $305.37. They will also receive a Gold Pennant!Congratulations to all Shellsburg students for GIVING $2128.55!
That is $979.80 more than last year!
5B and KY/KF will receive the Silver Pennant for donating more than $200 and all of the rest of the classes will receive the Bronze Pennant.THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
Shellsburg ROCKS!
We show Respect, Responsibility, and Safety!
RESULTS 2018 PENNIES FOR PATIENTS| 5F |
$402.84 |
| 2TB |
$365.68 |
| 5L |
$305.37 |
| 5B |
$294.07 |
| KFY |
$206.13 |
| 1C |
$152.03 |
| 3P |
$113.17 |
| 5M |
$112.61 |
| 4W |
$107.10 |
| 5G |
$59.55 |
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