by Elizabeth Thomas and Frank Schroth

On 4-16-12 Valerie Kelly, a 3rd Grade teacher at the Tucker School, will join thousands of others when she laces up her sneakers and runs in the greatest marathon in the world, The Boston Marathon. And Ms. Kelly is running for a special reason. She is running as a team member of Children’s Hospital’s…. Miles for Miracles.

Ms. Kelly along with all her students are opening their hearts to help a 2-year-old cardiac patient who underwent open-heart surgery at the age of 2 months. the child endured a second open-heart surgery last December and will eventually need to have a valve replaced.

This life long condition will bring astronomical medical bills. Fundraising efforts began in November with Ms Kelly and students putting together a red,white and blue themed bake sale that raised $224.16. In December, during what is the school’s biggest event, Unity Night, they ran a coin collection which brought in $399.44. And with their pink,red and white Have a Heart Valentine’s day themed sale, they brought in another $275.

The students have rallied to the cause with several conducting their own mini-fundraisers. Some have asked for donations in lieu of birthday gifts while others have run coin collections at hockey and basketball games. It has been a team effort and it has made a difference. They have helped take Ms Kelly close to her $5,000 goal. She is $3,888.06 of the way there.

If you would like to contribute please visit Ms Kelly’s Marathon page or mail a donation to

Tucker Elementary School
187 Blue Hills Parkway
Milton
02186
Attention: Valerie Kelly

Ms Kelly and her 3rd grade students extend their thanks to all those who have supported the effort to date and a wish to give a special Thank You to the Lacasse family who have invited the class to a BBQ along the route come race day.

GO MISS KELLY!