Gilbert fifth graders help out at Ronald McDonald House as they study children's cancer experiences
By means that included brownies and bracelets, a group of fifth graders from Gilbert schools took what they read about cancer and combined it with a grant to help patients and their families.
Student Zoey Myers, 11, said, "I’ve been through some things, so I feel like them having someone there will make them feel better, like I did when I had somebody."
Myers said she's been sad sometimes, but talking with friends helps.
Teacher Bonnie May's Extended Learning Program students at Gilbert Intermediate School read two books about children living with leukemia — "Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes," about a Japanese survivor of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II, and "Halfway Normal," about a student returning to middle school after two years of cancer treatment.
After reading "Sadako," the six students made origami cranes — symbols of hope — and donated them to Reiman Gardens in Ames, but they wanted to do and learn more.
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They received a $250 Project Jack grant from the Realtor Foundation of Iowa and donated it to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa.
The students also visited a Ronald McDonald House in Des Moines, where they made brownies, spoke with a volunteer coordinator and took a tour.
They didn't meet any patients or their families, but May said students spoke with a child specialist from UnityPoint Health Iowa Methodist Medical Center about what leukemia is and how it's treated and spoke with Gilbert students who've experienced cancer.
Student Paisley Wilberts, 11, said, "It just helps us understand when you have cancer you have to go through a lot," and that it helps to have someone at one's side.
May said students also chose to make bracelets — different colors for different cancers — and sell them for $1 each, raising approximately $150 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The bracelets are no longer for sale, with the school year ending.
The students hope they can continue doing similar projects together in middle school.
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Phillip Sitter covers education for the Ames Tribune, including Iowa State University and PreK-12 schools in Ames and elsewhere in Story County. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com. He is on Twitter @pslifeisabeauty.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Gilbert fifth graders help out at Ronald McDonald House in Des Moines
