lombard illinois students on "chernobyl heart" mission

A few months ago, I received an email from Glenbard East High student Hannah Reneau.  Her teacher, Chris Vandenberg, had assigned his Lombard, IL students to research a social need then take an action to bring about positive change.

Hannah told me that she and her friends Jenna Kenny and Michele Graham went online to learned about the Chernobyl disaster and the work of Chernobyl Children's Project International.  They wanted to know what they could do to help kids their age affected by the disaster.

(The photos show, from left to right, Jenna, Hannah, and Michele. )

When I told them that CCPI is launching a children's cardiac surgery program in Ukraine this year, the students found their goal: To raise enough money to save one child's life.

I sent the girls a copy of the film Chernobyl Heart, and they arranged a screening for fellow students and the community.  Hannah said "It really opened their eyes to what is going on in Chernobyl regions.  Most were overwhelmed by what they saw."  They rallied around the girls in supporting their mission. 

Hannah, Jenna, and Michele:  Not only have you saved a young life, but judging from the photos, it looks like you had a great time doing it!  I promise to send you a picture of your "Chernobyl heart" child when we return from Kharkiv, Ukraine this May!