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Penny Drive in Portland Elementary School Raises $2,000 for Kidney Disease Research

Students and faculty of Concord Elementary in Milwaukie , OR , launched a two-week penny drive to support the efforts of second-grader Blake Palmer. Blake was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at age three and in 2005 half of Blake’s right kidney was removed. Although, Blake has been enduring many hospital visits, his spirits remain high. “We just take it one day at a time and deal with what comes along,” said his mother, Nikkole Palmer, who is moved by her son’s commitment to help the NephCure Foundation save kidneys and to save lives.

In October of 2006, Blake’s family and friends teamed up with the NephCure Foundation. Together with another patient family, they organized the first annual Take A Step Forward Oregon, a five-mile fundraising walk to help find a cure.

Infected by Blake’s dedication, Concord’s students and faculty decided to join his mission and they raised $2,000 to further this important cause. Miss Keinonen’s class collected the most pennies. Her students will be awarded a pizza party including popcorn and a movie. “The kids have been so wonderful”, Mrs. Palmer said. “As a parent, I am proud to have witnessed such a tremendous effort to support my Blake and The NephCure Foundation.”

Concord’s efforts have also caught the the local media's attention. Suzanne Pardington, reporter with The Oregonian covered the story which was titled “Kids raise cash for sick classmate”. Please click here to read on.

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If you would like to become involved, please contact info@nephcure.org or call 1 (866) NephCure.