Warrior Strong

Recently, two devoted teachers from Winston Campus Junior High School in Palatine experienced life changing events.

In February, Karen Suarez suffered from Stevens-Johnsons TEN Syndrome which is a severe, life-threatening reaction to an antibiotic. As a result, Karen endured a six week hospital stay at Loyola in the intensive care burn unit and continues to attend regular therapy sessions. Karen's husband, Agustin Domingo Suarez, is a veteran teacher at Winston Campus. The couple has two young children, Brayden and Sierra.

Eight weeks into becoming a mother, Paula Pozucek, a single mother, learned that her baby, Johnny, has Spina Muscular Atrophy (SMA1). According to an online source, "Spinal muscular atrophy manifests in various degrees of severity which all have in common general muscle wasting and mobility impairment. Other body systems may be affected as well, particularly in early-onset forms. SMA is the most common genetic cause of infant death." Baby Johnny has been given only a few months left to survive.

Our school is hosting a fundraiser on Friday, June 6th at Durty Nellies from 3:00 - 6:00 PM in Palatine to help offset some of the excessive medical bills that the Suarez and Pozucek families are facing. Entry fees are $10 per person. Many local organizations have donated wonderful items for a raffle as well. Please support our teachers.