T-Shirts for a Change

In early October, VHS participated in a baseball-themed fundraiser for Zoey Penny, a 6-year-old Verona girl struggling with Progeria. Progeria is a rare syndrome that affects children; children who have it manifest physical signs and symptoms of premature old age. It is also known as the “rapid-aging disease.”

Zoey was born with this rare disease, and she is one of the 125 known cases in the world. Although she is faced with a rare illness, Zoey is just like any other child. She is very intelligent and energetic, and enjoys playing with her two brothers and spending time with her family.  She leads a normal life despite her health.

The family faces many medical bills for this young girl. To help out the family, VHS held the fundraiser in her honor. Each student was asked to wear their favorite major league baseball t-shirt or hat to school and donate whatever they could to give to Zoey and her family. The money was collected in students first period classes as well as during physical education classes. Jars were set up so that students could contribute to Team Zoey.

Nell Karpinski, VHS senior, said “It’s a great cause. I have heard about Zoey and have always wanted to help. Knowing that the money is helping someone in Verona is great.”

Marissa Ruhno, senior at VHS, said “I don’t really know much about Progeria, but I know that it shortens the lifespan of children. It is great to know that high school students are taking the time and money to help out a local family in need.”

The fundraiser was a success, as many people helped to raise money for Zoey. It was a sea of baseball shirts all around VHS that day, all for a good cause.