About Us
Launched in November 2004, Hearts for Hanah is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization founded by high school and junior high school students from the communities of Oswego and Mendota Illinois. Our mission is simple – actively engage students and the community in working together to support the search for a cure for childhood cancer. We know we can’t cure childhood cancer, but we can raise money for childhood cancer research and increase awareness for the costs associated with treatment and research. We can also provide emotional and financial support to families that are impacted by childhood cancer. Finally, in an effort to make a difference long term, we want to recognize and support students that have demonstrated both a history of giving back to their communities and an interest in pursuing careers that benefit the well being of children. To help them succeed and make a difference in the life of a child, we have established the Hearts for Hanah Scholarship Fund.
Although 2009 has been a tough year for many in our community, the Hearts for Hanah team found ways to make a positive difference. Hearts for Hanah volunteers could be found working at events designed to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Despite a chilly night and a few raindrops, Hearts for Hanah came out in force for the Oswego/Montgomery Relay for Life. Several members of the group participated in the Breast Cancer Network of Strength walk along Chicago’s lakefront. Summer brought us back to our hometown of Oswego for Prairiefest. The raffle and face painting was a hit with our community supporters. We are grateful to all those who donated the fantastic items for our event. (For those of you that might be wondering-we never did get anyone to try their hand (or voice) at karaoke.) Throughout the year Hearts for Hanah team members were also active in providing assistance to other charities that promote the well being of children.
Hearts for Hanah was proud to award their 2009 scholarship to Alison Monkemeyer of Newark High School. Administered by the Community River Foundation of the Fox River Valley, the Hearts for Hanah Scholarship was designed to help foster a new generation of men and women who are planning to make a difference in the life of a child. We are thrilled to support Alison as she continues her educational journey.
We continue to meet wonderful people along the way, broadening our circle of friends and supporters. Each one is a constant reminder that we are making a difference. Each day we see Hanah become a better, stronger person. She has shown us firsthand that miracles do happen. We approach our efforts with the same courage, strength and zest for life she demonstrates every day. And for all of the other children in our community that are waging their personal battle against childhood cancer, we will continue to find ways to support them on their journey.
