MINOOKA, Ill. — “Amazing,” said Minooka Community High School teacher Sam Pavelka as he viewed the outpouring of support during the Mini Relay for Life Fundraiser. “This never ceases to amaze me."

The Minooka High National Honor Society paired with the American Cancer Society to host a marathon 12-hour fundraiser on Sunday, Jan. 20 at Minooka High's Central Campus. The group had raised over $12,830 for cancer research by the time the event closed at midnight.

Pavelka, currently fighting a battle against Ewing Sarcoma, a rare pediatric bone cancer, took the first lap in the decorated halls at Minooka High School while passing lines of cheering students. Although he was in a wheelchair and wearing a surgical mask for protection from germs, Pavelka and about seven other cancer survivors were greeted by claps and cheers.