ROXBURY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — The Roxbury school community raised nearly $200,000 in March to support pediatric cancer awareness, families and research through a series of student-led events across the district.
The fundraising efforts, held during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in Roxbury, included Roxbury High School’s Rox-THON dance marathon and St. Baldrick’s head-shaving events at Kennedy Elementary School and Lincoln/Roosevelt School.
This year’s campaign carried added significance, as four children within the district are currently battling cancer. Students, staff and families rallied under the banner of #RoxStrong in support.
Roxbury High School launched the month with its annual Rox-THON event on March 6, where more than 500 students participated in a “no sitting, no sleeping” overnight dance marathon. The event raised a record $151,000, bringing its lifetime total to about $800,000.
“This year we didn’t focus solely on money; we wanted to integrate our families more because that’s what truly matters,” said Addison Christian, Vice President of Rox-THON, during the Board of Education Meeting on March 23rd. “Unfortunately, Roxbury was heavily impacted this year with four local families receiving diagnoses. We wanted to support them in every way we could… from bringing them to our meetings to gifting them essentials like DoorDash and Amazon gift cards to help during hospital stays.”
Proceeds from Rox-THON benefit Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown and pediatric cancer research through Four Diamonds at Penn State Children’s Hospital.
At Kennedy Elementary School, more than 20 participants shaved or trimmed their hair during a St. Baldrick’s event on March 17, raising more than $26,000. The event also featured schoolwide fundraising activities and support for a student undergoing treatment.
Lincoln/Roosevelt School closed out the month with its own St. Baldrick’s event on March 27, where about 40 participants shaved their heads in a show of solidarity. The event raised more than $20,000 and pushed the school’s lifetime fundraising total past $355,000.
Students and staff rallied around a classmate battling cancer, with emotional moments throughout the event, including remarks from the student and participation from teachers and administrators.
Officials said the success of the fundraising efforts reflects the strength and unity of the Roxbury community.
Organizers credited families, volunteers, local businesses and student leaders for contributing their “time, talent, and hair” to support the cause, emphasizing the community’s commitment to standing together during difficult times.
