SARASOTA – The pandemic has forced many of us to think creatively when it comes to planning annual events.
Members of Southside Elementary School’s PTO were no different when planning their annual Go Gold Day to remind us that cancer doesn’t take a break even in the face of a global health pandemic.
“I think the difference is that we’re engaging of course the virtual learners and of course there are some social distance pieces of it,” said Nikki Taylor.
Taylor has been a member of the Go Gold Team for Southside Elementary School’s PTO for the past three years. Typically students attend a pep rally to announce which classroom raised the most funds to donate towards pediatric cancer research.
However, this year the focus is more on how students can still do their part but virtually.
“There’s no pep rally but there is an essay competition, which is a great way for the students to share why their passionate about bringing awareness to this cause,” said Taylor.
For many at Southside, their cause is fueled by the passing of two classmates. One of them… Benjamin “the Brave” Gilkey who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age seven.
His mother Laura Gilkey founded The Benjamin Gilkey Fund for Innovative Pediatric Cancer Research that focuses on groundbreaking clinical trials.
“They help local kids at the highest risk but the research that’s done has disseminated globally,” said Laura.
The Go Gold Day movement started at Southside has spread to other schools outside the district and county. Laura’s determination to put an end to pediatric cancer has led her to launch a website that will allow school to participate on a national level.
“First Go Gold Day at Southside they raised a significant amount of money, but then the next year it sort of spread throughout the community,” said Laura. “So far Go Gold Day has raised over $50,000 for research, and like I said next year we hope to take it national.”
A mothers hope to not only fund the research for a cure but to make sure no other parents hears their child has cancer. And to continue to share Benji’s story that has cemented a legacy of his own.
For anyone looking to participate and Go Gold or to donate to the foundation you can contact the Laura or Taylor through the foundations Facebool page.
Go Gold Day is celebrated the last Friday of September but the Southside community is hosting events all week. On Monday Pazzo Southside is giving 20% of their proceeds to Benji’s foundation.