Care for Courtney

Courtney Stakenas, the 24 year-old daughter of our co-worker, Karen Stakenas (math interventionist at William E. Young School) has recently been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. This has been a very difficult time and the family is still in a state of shock, as Courtney was completely healthy and living her best life in California...dancing, skateboarding, and doing yoga until this happened.

Karen has gotten Courtney back home in Illinois and she has begun treatment at the University of Chicago for a 1-month in-hospital stay. Following this intense, rigorous treatment will be 2-3 out-patient chemotherapy sessions weekly for several months until remission and then maintenance treatment for 2 years. Prior to chemotherapy beginning, several procedures were performed that were not covered by insurance. Unfortunately, in addition to medical bills, the cost of traveling to and from the hospital, daily parking fees, and the constant need for expensive medications is taking its toll on the family financially. In the meantime, Courtney's personal bills continue to accumulate.

The family is very optimistic that Courtney will win this battle and live a long, healthy life. However, this journey will continue for months and years to come beyond their financial means. Any donation will help ease some of the financial struggles they are experiencing. Sharing this page would be greatly appreciated. Please keep Courtney and her family in your thoughts and prayers.