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Shawn is
Blood Cancer United

A Team in Training participant standing on a grassy waterfront after completing a race, wearing a finisher medal, race bib, and athletic gear, giving a thumbs-up with boats and buildings visible in the background.

As the Superintendent of Warren CUSD 205, I am privileged to serve this incredible community and school district. I have joined Team In Training (TNT) to raise critical funds for the Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS). I will be running the 48th running of the Chicago Marathon in memory of a truly exceptional colleague and friend, our beloved school nurse and coach, Tony Romero. Tony passed away from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the age of 30 on November 5, 2025.

Tony's dedication extended far beyond his official duties. As a school nurse, he provided compassionate care and comfort to our students, and as a dedicated coach, he instilled discipline, spirit, and confidence in countless young lives. Tony left an indelible and positive impression on the Warren CUSD 205 community. He truly embodied service and strength.

I am committed to honoring Tony's legacy by translating my grief into action. I will be training for and running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, 2026. This journey is about more than just crossing a finish line; it is about living life to the fullest and striving to make a difference in the lives of others, just as Tony did every day. I know that Tony will be with me every step of the way through training and the 26.2 miles of the race.

Through this fundraiser, we are moving forward together, turning our collective grief into tangible hope. The funds we raise will be directly invested by Blood Cancer United to:

Support Patients and Families: Providing vital financial and emotional assistance to those currently facing a blood cancer diagnosis.
Advance Research: Funding groundbreaking research to discover new treatments and, ultimately, find cures for diseases like AML.

This fundraiser is another powerful way for the Warren CUSD 205 community and beyond to honor the remarkable impact Tony had on our lives.

I invite you to join me in this mission by making a tax-deductible donation today.

Your support helps sustain families, promotes life-saving research, and ensures that Tony’s spirit of service continues to inspire and help those in need.

Thank you for helping me keep Tony’s memory alive through this vital work.

Shawn

Supporter and fundraiser

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Person wearing a wide-brimmed hat and hiking backpack stands outdoors against a scenic mountain landscape with evergreen trees and patches of golden foliage. The image highlights an active moment in nature and reflects resilience, strength, and quality of life within the blood cancer community, emphasizing the importance of survivorship and living well after a blood cancer diagnosis.

Jean

smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)

Portrait of a blood cancer survivor wearing glasses, a light blue top, and a beaded necklace while seated indoors against a neutral background. The close-up image highlights a member of the blood cancer community and reflects survivorship, resilience, and the ongoing impact of blood cancer awareness, support, and advocacy.

Nancyjean

multiple myeloma (MM)

Black-and-white portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing beside large windows in a flowing formal gown with a long train. Natural light fills the room, highlighting a powerful moment that reflects resilience, survivorship, and the ability to celebrate meaningful life milestones while navigating a blood cancer journey.

Audrey

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Two members of the blood cancer community stand side by side indoors in a healthcare setting. One person wears a yellow T-shirt over a long-sleeve shirt, while the other wears a blue top with a dark cardigan and an ID badge. Medical equipment and a wall-mounted screen are visible in the background, reflecting the importance of support, advocacy, and connection throughout the blood cancer journey.

Judy

acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)

Person stands in a hospital room beside an IV pole, wearing a red tank top, shorts, and hospital wristbands. Medical equipment, a hospital bed, and an infusion chair are visible in the background. The image highlights a moment during blood cancer treatment and reflects resilience, determination, and hope throughout the blood cancer journey.

Anthony

lymphoma

Vintage black-and-white family photograph showing two people seated together on a couch in a home setting with patterned wallpaper and framed artwork in the background. This historical image accompanies a blood cancer story and reflects family support, personal history, and the experiences of loved ones affected by blood cancer across generations.

Lori

Family member, healthcare professional

Family of five seated together on a sofa in a modern indoor setting. This image represents the role of family support throughout the blood cancer journey, highlighting caregiving, connection, and resilience for people affected by blood cancer, including patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

Rode

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Person seated in a medical exam room during a healthcare appointment, with blood pressure monitoring equipment visible in the background. This image represents the blood cancer journey, highlighting ongoing medical care, treatment monitoring, survivorship, and the importance of regular healthcare visits for people affected by blood cancer.

Johansa

multiple myeloma (MM)

Two people wearing dark jackets and baseball caps sit closely together on public transportation, illuminated by natural sunlight through a window. This candid image highlights the importance of family, caregiving, and support within the blood cancer community, reflecting the personal connections that help individuals and families navigate a blood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship journey.

Michael

Family member and supporter

Portrait of a person with long dark hair seated indoors, looking toward the camera in a home setting with framed artwork and flowers visible in the background. Image used to accompany a blood cancer patient, survivor, caregiver, or advocacy story focused on the blood cancer community, awareness, support, and personal experiences.

Lauren

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Headshot of Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts Head Coach

Chuck

leukemia

Portrait of a young blood cancer survivor wearing a light blue collared shirt outdoors, with green trees and grass softly blurred in the background. The close-up image highlights a milestone moment in a blood cancer journey and reflects the importance of hope, support, and survivorship within the blood cancer community.

Palmer

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.