'Like Christmas': D146 Teacher In Cancer Fight Gifted $26K For Mortgage

ORLAND PARK, IL — An Orland Park teacher stood in shock before her entire school, holding a check for nearly $27,000.

Though used to holding a captive audience in the classroom, Julie Drew found herself nearly speechless at first.

The Lockport resident and beloved fifth-grade teacher at Community Consolidated District 146's Kruse Education Center was flustered, but grateful. She'd had no idea it was coming; her longtime friend and the school's principal were in on it and so eager to surprise her.

Drew was gifted with $26,400—enough to cover a year's worth of mortgage payments as she endures the next blows of her cancer fight.

"Today feels like Christmas morning for me, the planning and the secret-keeping and the surprises," said Principal Kim Hartnett. "It's been really special to be a part of. Julie deserves all of it."

Orland Park's Dowling Legacy and Retirement, in partnership with the Gradient Giving Foundation, handed over the check that will, hopefully, allow Drew to breathe a sigh of relief.

"She's a deserving person," said longtime friend and school paraprofessional Gail North.

North nominated Drew for the honor, and then tried not to get her hopes up. She wanted so badly to help her friend—who had also taught North's own son years prior—who learned just months earlier that she'd again have to fight for her life.

"Never in a million years did I think it was going to get to this," North said, of learning Drew would receive the money.

"I'm just so happy that this will give her some relief."

Hartnett and North managed to keep the big moment quiet, though the news crews and reporters in the audience of the school's holiday concert Wednesday afternoon might have tipped some off that something was up.

In her naturally humble nature, Drew thought it was about her students and school receiving something special. She wasn't wrong—Orland's Dowling Legacy and Retirement will throw the entire school a pizza party next week—but she never expected all the fuss had really anything to do with her.

“I thought something was happening,” she told reporters afterward. “I thought we were getting something for the school. So I’m overwhelmed and very grateful.”

Having previously beaten stage three ovarian cancer, the single mom of two had just recently purchased a townhome in Lockport, when she was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer a second time.

“We heard about an incredible teacher here at your school, someone who despite facing an extraordinarily difficult journey battling cancer, continues to show up for students every single day with courage, dedication and love,” said Dowling CEO/President Karen Prescia Dowling.

Drew's son, daughter and mother stood beside her as she accepted the check.

"We have a big family and everybody's been there for Julie," her mother Carol Jorgensen told reporters. "She's gone through some very, very hard things in her life, and so have her children.

"So, to see this is just incredible, and we thank you so much."

Dowling Legacy and Retirement provided Drew’s entire class with backpacks filled with candy, and they'll also pay any negative school lunch balances.

Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau presented Drew with a collection of gift cards and services donated by local and area businesses, including Target, Hey Beautiful, Serenity Med Spa, Rainbow Cone, The Patio and Windy City Thunderbolts.

Drew was visibly in awe at each additional gift; North was thrilled to have made it happen for her.

"She's a great colleague, a great person and just, I can't say enough about her," North said. "I think it's great that this is happening."

Drew was humbled by North's support and friendship in nominating her.

"I can't believe this," she told media. "Gail's been a rock by my side during the whole thing.

"She does things constantly to help me out. I don't know how I'll ever repay her. I'm very, very grateful."

Now facing two additional rounds of treatment, she stressed how supportive Hartnett has also been throughout her illness.

"Mrs. Harrnett has been wonderful," she said. "... just having that relationship with her and having that just caring and nurturing boss during this makes a world of difference. So, I don't know how I'll ever repay the two of them."

The financial support is a much-needed lift for Drew and her family.

"... this is such an amazing gift," she said. "... that my kids and I can just feel safe and comfortable."

Drew worked throughout her first cancer bout, and hopes to this time, as well.

"Getting up and going to work and working with these kids has made it such a rewarding experience," she said. "The kids have been phenomenal through the whole thing."

She's touched at the kindness and support shown to her family and children.

"These kids help me daily with everything," Drew said. "When I'm feeling sick, they're what keeps me going. And they all deserve it."

She's thrilled to share some of the fun with her school during a pizza party heading into winter break next week, and then she's looking forward to some downtime.

She has a bunch of gift cards and some pampering ahead of her.

"I can't wait," she said, her breath catching. "I can't wait."