Chances are good that most of the 1,000-plus students at Michigan’s largest elementary school didn’t even know their schoolmate, Chase Reaume, who is suffering from a rare, serious blood disease.

            But when word spread through Monroe Public School’s two-building Custer Elementary School Campus that Chase, a fifth grader and one of their own, needed help, the children stepped up to “Lace ‘Em Up for Chase,” a half-mile jaunt along the school’s paved walking and running track in early November.

            The result -- $5,252 was raised for Chase’s family to pay medical bills, and more than $4,100 of it came as a result of children bringing money in for the opportunity to run in the event.  As Principal Lisa McLaughlin said, it didn’t matter how much they brought in, just that they did.

            “Some of the kids who brought in money were from families who could probably least afford it but it was important to the kids they that they help the ‘boy who goes to my school,’” Mrs. McLaughlin said.  “Some of the kids brought in their donations in nickles and dimes wrapped in plastic wrap.

            “We told the kids that no matter how big or small the donation was, everyone’s input is valuable, ” Mrs. McLaughlin said.  The kids went home and go mom and dad involved, too, she added.

            The event had some other benefits that might not have been totally anticipated but were successful because the students got their parents interested.  For instance, the bone marrow donor group, Be The Match, set up a table at “Lace ‘Em Up for Chase,” and came away with a number of potential bone marrow donors they did not have before.  The local Red Cross chapter also was present to promote an upcoming school blood drive.  The response was so strong and so many people signed up for a December blood drive that another blood drive has been scheduled for January.

            “This whole event has helped our students to see how important it is to think of others.  The kids know now that even though they are young, they can still help out and their input is important,” Custer third grade teacher Teresa Stewart said.