Happy Hands Preschoolers Participate in 20th Annual Trike-A-Thon for St. Jude

Students at in Lemont are riding their bikes to save lives.

On Tuesday, dozens of 3-and 4-year-olds at participated in the preschool’s 20^th annual Trike-a-Thon to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The hospital, founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, is located in Memphis, TN, and has treated children from all over the United States as well as 70 other countries.

The Trike-A-Thon a week-long safety curriculum and fundraising program offered by St. Jude. After a week of safety lessons in the classroom, schools designate a day or two for children to bring their bikes and helmets for a 10-minute race, which is supported by pledges from family and friends.

On Tuesday, Happy Hands students rode their bikes right outside of Lemont United Methodist Church, with their parents counting laps and their teachers cheering them on.

The school's older classes are scheduled to participate in the fundraiser Friday.

“The children aren’t just learning about bicycle safety, they are learning about caring for others, by raising money for St. Jude's,” said Loryl Fisher, director of Happy Hands Preschool. “In the 19 years of fundraising, the children at Happy Hands have raised more than $117,900—a large feat for a small preschool.”

This year is particularly special for St. Jude, as it marks the hospital's 50th year in business. St. Jude is the only pediatric research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance, and no child is denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the supportHappy Hands Preschool has given to St. Jude’s over the last 20 years,” Carol Whittinghill of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital said in a press release. “Their total donations over the years have paid for a single procedure. The children and staff should feel extremely proud of their accomplishments.”