Notre Dame Senior Margaret Sutherland is giving back to those who helped her and her family over 15 years ago.
Sutherland is participating in a 7 week fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society called “Students of the Year”.
The objective is to try and raise as much money as possible to help those affected by blood related cancers. She is looking to reach her goal of raising $10,000 for cancer patients and research by Thursday May 3rd at 5:00 p.m.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has a special place in Margaret’s heart.
A month after she was born, her 2- year old brother, Jack, was diagnosed with Leukemia.
“This was a very difficult time for my family, but with the help of extended family, friends, and even some people we had never met, we were fortunate enough to nurse Jack through treatment, and ultimately into 15 years of remission. All of this would not have been possible without the great work that has been done through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,” says Sutherland.
“I am doing this in honor of him.”
On Saturday night the Notre Dame Gym was filled with dodgeball players looking to compete, have some fun and raise money for a good cause. 13 teams from all over Genesee County took to the floor and made their way through bracket play as the crowd cheered them on.
“Our school is very competitive, so I figured we should do something athletic, so I thought a dodgeball tournament would be fun.
I remembered playing in a dodgeball tournament with my brother a couple of years ago, so I thought it would be a great activity that the community could be involved in.”
Local companies donated baskets for a basket raffle and there was also a 50/50 raffle. Pizza was donated by Batavia’s Original and Mark’s Pizzeria.
$2,630 was raised during three hour tournament.
Anyone interested in donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society fundraiser with Margaret can connect to her fundraising page at: https://events.lls.org/wcny/buffaloSOY2018/MSutherland
Or by sending donations by check to Notre Dame High School at 73 Union street, Batavia NY/14020/checks made payable to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and write Margaret Sutherland in the memo.