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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.
Copilot said: Person stands outdoors holding an illuminated lantern at a Light The Night event, with a large screen in the background showing participants raising lights and the message “Thank you for bringing light to the darkness of cancer,” highlighting advocacy, community support, and awareness in the blood cancer community.

Natalia

splenic marginal zone non-Hodgkin lymphoma (MZL)

zeke-j_dam_file_161236.jpg

Zeke

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Lila wearing warm clothes-standing in front of a 'top of Mt. Kilimanjaro' sign with arms raised

Lila

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Snapshot of Ashley wearing black jacket with Find the Cure printed, a cancer survivor

Ashley

chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

Snapshot of Zachariah holding flowers, a cancer survivor

Zach

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person is seated in a medical treatment chair with an IV line connected to the arm. The individual is wearing a tie-dye sweatshirt and has a blue protective sheet draped over the lap. A patterned blanket covers part of the legs, and a white disposable cup is placed on a small tray nearby. In the background, there is medical equipment including an infusion pump with digital displays, tubing, and a yellow biohazard container. The setting appears to be a clinical or hospital environment.

Natalie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Rachel in hospital with head wrap holding "It's my last day of chemo" sign

Rachel

lymphoma

Rebecca young adult in hospital chair holding shirt "Fighting Together With You"

Rebecca

blood cancer

Richard in a chair outside with a Corona smiling in a blue hooded jacket

Richard

In memory

JJ standing among leaves gazing into the distance

J.J.

Volunteer

Brianna, close up and smiling, young adult survivor of childhood cancer

Brianna

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

henry-h_dam_file_29286.jpg

Henry Jr

leukemia

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