Tinley Park High School staff has rallied together to support Project Fire Buddies, a local organization that holds a special place in their hearts. On February 10th, Special Education Teacher Lauren Brazel and School Counselor Shannon Gormley attended the Project Fire Buddies Gala, and in a gesture of solidarity, they decided to contribute a gift card basket on behalf of TPHS for the organization's raffle.
What started as a modest goal of $500 quickly surpassed all expectations. The TPHS staff's incredible generosity and community spirit have resulted in a staggering $2,000 in donations! The funds will go towards creating a significant contribution to Project Fire Buddies, which provides crucial support to families facing challenges similar to that of Frankie, Brazel’s son, who battles Cerebral Palsy, HIE, Epilepsy, and CVI.
"Frankie was born 2 months early and suffered brain damage. We made the hard decision as a family to enter my son into palliative/hospice care to ensure the time we have with him is spent giving him the comfort he deserves,” Brazel said. “Project Fire Buddies has done so much for our family, and we wanted to be able to give back."
The TPHS staff's commitment to the cause goes beyond monetary contributions. The athletic teams have joined the initiative by contributing swag items that were included in the raffle baskets. TPHS is proud to announce that they donated not one but two baskets for the gala!
Brazel and Gormly are both passionate supporters of Project Fire Buddies, and expressed their gratitude for the organization's unwavering support. In particular, Brazel highlighted the invaluable assistance provided by the New Lenox Fire Department and the Fire Buddies program, which has been instrumental in ensuring the well-being of their family.
“We were recommended to become a Fire Buddy from Oak Forest High School grad, Erin DeVris,” Brazel said. “The New Lenox Fire Department has been able to provide our whole family with the support we need, as well as build a relationship with my other two children so that they are comfortable should we need first responders in our home.”