‘Morgan’s Mission’ Raises Childhood Cancer Awareness: IL Star Student

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Shannon Barlow, of Highland Park, who nominated her daughter Morgan and her son Connor.

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Star local student’s name
Morgan

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?
Morgan is a very special 13 year old. She has endured the unimaginable- and has been (successfully) battling Leukemia ALL for the past three years. When she was ready to be done-but still had an entire year left- we created ‘Morgan’s Mission’ to raise awareness of childhood cancer and remind Morgan that some parts of this fight is still in her control. We began by having a childhood cancer awareness day and collecting gift cards and hand made cards that we personally delivered to the 17th and 18th floors at Lurie’s. We have also collected over 600 boxes of Girl Scout cookies that have been (and will be) handed out, and by sending care packages to families that are struggling. What amazed me was that buying Morgan her favorite things helped her mood a little, but helping others was what really lifted her spirits.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?
Cancer does not define Morgan, but it is incorporated into every part of her life now. I’m so impressed that she has endured so much pain, and grown stronger in the process. She is a smart, kind, and loving kid who didn’t deserve this diagnosis. But if every disadvantage has it’s advantage, Morgan’s advantage is that she now knows things that other teenagers don’t know- life is precious so don’t sweat the small stuff (ok- well she is 13 so maybe ‘knows’ is a little too strong of a word).

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Star local student’s name
Connor

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?
Connor is an amazing kid, with an amazing heart. He has patiently taken a seat in the shadows for the past three years as his sister has been (successfully) battling Leukemia. Instead of complaining, Connor’s go to response was always, “How can I help?” I just want him to know that I appreciate him waiting patiently in the back, but that that is not where he belongs!

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?
Connor is a well rounded kid- smart, great soccer player, handsome, but most of all he is kind, and the world needs more kids like him!

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Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Morgan and Connor!

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Know an outstanding student?

Nominate them here.

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