FREMONT—While most would find it hard to juggle college, two jobs and a social life, Jennifer Lehmann does it and still manages to maintain the Kids Cancer Crusade Web site dedicated to children with cancer.

Ms. Lehmann, a 2006 graduate of Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic High School (SJCC), established Kids Cancer Crusade (KCC) to support and network families of children with cancer. It was recognized as a nonprofit organization in December 2007, and more information is available at www.kidscancercrusade.org.

Last year Ms. Lehmann organized a drive at SJCC for childhood cancer patients. Students brought in crayons, bubbles and a variety of other indoor games in exchange for a jeans day.   

“I was so amazed by the response. It really brought tears to my eyes seeing how supported my cause is by the place I came from,” says Ms. Lehmann.

She also attributes the success to teacher Liz Pietrykowski and principal Mike Gabel. “Mrs. Pietrykowski really did all of the work. She set up a box in her room and then asked Mr. Gabel if it could be a school-wide event.”  

The success of the SJCC drive sparked an additional three-week long drive at Victory Christian Fellowship in Fremont, talk of a postage drive in Columbus and even a drive in Louisiana.

 Ms. Lehmann created KCC after meeting Christi Thomas, who suffered from neuroblastoma, a cancer in immature nerve cells. In 2002, Ms. Lehmann discovered the young girl’s Web site, www.christithomas.com, soon after Christi’s diagnosis. In 2004, Ms. Lehmann met Christi at a cheerleading competition at which the SJCC Streaks were competing.

Christi, who Ms. Lehmann describes as passionate and courageous, battled cancer for four years before she passed away on Sept. 19, 2006 at the age of 9. Ms. Lehmann had been planning an Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which raises money for kid’s cancer research, in Christi’s honor for the next day.

“I never imagined that it would switch to be in her memory. It was so difficult to have to explain Christi’s death to anyone who asked when they donated — many being former St. Joe students,” she says.

Though Christi’s passing was hard on Ms. Lehmann, she was inspired by the young girl’s life.

“After Christi died, it just gave me more determination to work on the organization.  I see how important it is to get the awareness out there and to support these kids and their families. Christi is never far from my mind while I’m doing things for KCC,” she explains.

This desire to inform and support resulted in the creation of yet another Web site for Christi Thomas: www.myspace.com/sayaprayerforchristi. It celebrates her life and spreads awareness about neuroblastoma. It has continued to grow and involve more people.

“Now that my mom knows about it, she has been willing to help out with things — like sending packages, helping pay for postage if we run out of donated ones, allowing our house to be a disaster at times with toys all over the place,” says Ms. Lehmann.

 “I’m brimming with ideas for the future of the organization,” she adds. “Feeling the support of my own high school was a big push to keep things going with the Web site [and Kids Cancer Crusade] … it has been very encouraging.”

Ms. Lehmann attends Bowling Green State University and is pursuing a nursing degree. She hopes to work in pediatric oncology.

Antonia Alcala is a 2007 Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic High School graduate.

This article is republished with permission from the June 2007 issue of “The Voice,” a quarterly newsletter for SJCC alumni.