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.
Family visiting a loved one during blood cancer treatment in a hospital room. A patient rests in a hospital bed surrounded by family members wearing protective masks, with medical equipment visible nearby. This powerful image highlights the impact of blood cancer on families, the importance of caregiver support, and the realities of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancer treatments during hospitalization.

Brandon

Family member and supporter

Alec wearing a blue shirt with survivor printed on it, a cancer survivor

Alec

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL)

Snapshot of Anna in her graduation gown, a cancer survivor

Anna

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

in memory Young child sitting outdoors and looking toward the camera while being held by an adult. The child is wearing a light-colored outfit and a large white bow headband. This photo supports a pediatric blood cancer story, highlighting childhood blood cancer awareness, family support, and the experiences of children affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

Maria

Family member, caregiver, supporter

Close-up portrait of a blood cancer patient lying in a hospital bed wearing a patterned hospital gown. The patient has a shaved head, likely related to cancer treatment, and looks directly at the camera. Medical bedding and a hospital setting are visible in the background, illustrating the realities of blood cancer treatment, hospitalization, and survivorship.

Alana

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Family participating in a Blood Cancer United Light The Night event, holding red illuminated lanterns and posing together outdoors at sunset. Adults and children wear Blood Cancer United shirts, highlighting support for people affected by blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, while raising awareness and building community around blood cancer research and patient support.

Adam

mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)

Audience members gather in a small performance venue as a speaker shares a personal story on stage under purple lighting. The event highlights the power of storytelling, blood cancer awareness, survivorship, and community connection for people affected by blood cancer. People seated in an intimate theater setting watch a performer speak on stage beneath purple and blue lights. The image represents blood cancer storytelling, advocacy, and the sharing of lived experiences that help others feel seen and supported. A storyteller performs before a live audience in a cozy venue illuminated with purple stage lighting. The event showcases personal stories about blood cancer, resilience, and the healing impact of community and shared experiences.

Adam

leukemia

Portrait of a blood cancer survivor wearing glasses and a checkered button-down shirt while seated indoors against a neutral background. The image highlights resilience, advocacy, and the experiences of individuals living with or recovering from blood cancer.

Robert

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Two people pose together at a formal gala in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop featuring The Driskell Prize and HIGH logos. One person wears a light blue floor-length gown and holds a silver clutch, while the other wears a black tuxedo. The image highlights community leadership, philanthropy, and support for important causes, including blood cancer awareness and advocacy initiatives.

Yvonne

multiple myeloma (MM)

Adult wearing sunglasses and a white polo shirt holds a small child dressed in pink at an outdoor gathering. The photograph represents the importance of family connections and support throughout the blood cancer experience.

Lily

Family member and supporter

Two people standing closely together outdoors in a residential setting with bare trees and a wind chime in the background. The photograph represents blood cancer awareness, caregiver support, and the role of loved ones during treatment and recovery.

Nichole

Family member and supporter

Portrait of a young person smiling toward the camera while seated indoors. The image reflects strength, hope, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis, highlighting the impact of blood cancer support and advocacy.

Lauryn

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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