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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.
A young child stands indoors on a hardwood floor wearing a lavender dress, colorful socks, and a pink head wrap. The portrait highlights a moment of confidence and individuality during a blood cancer experience, capturing the resilience of children and families navigating treatment, recovery, and survivorship. This image reflects hope, strength, and everyday life affected by pediatric blood cancer.

Kelly

Family member and caregiver

Close-up portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing along a coastal cliff at sunset, with the ocean and shoreline visible in the background. The individual wears a patterned head covering and a light-colored sweatshirt while looking toward the camera. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, hope, and finding moments of peace during and after blood cancer treatment. The scenic setting reflects strength, healing, and the support that helps people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers move forward.

Liz

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

inspirational-stories-blood-cancer-shirley.jpeg

Shirley

large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL)

A selfie taken inside a vehicle shows a blood cancer survivor sitting beside a large brown dog wearing a harness and orange collar. The dog is positioned prominently in the foreground, while the individual wears sunglasses and a seatbelt. The candid photo highlights the comfort, companionship, and everyday moments that support many people affected by blood cancer during survivorship and recovery.

Kaitlyn

survivor

Two people wearing bright yellow banana costumes pose outdoors near an active volcanic eruption, with lava and a large plume of smoke rising in the background. The playful travel photo captures a memorable moment of adventure, humor, and connection. The image accompanies a blood cancer survivor story, reflecting resilience, celebrating life after a blood cancer diagnosis, and finding joy in meaningful experiences.

Thomas

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Portrait of a blood cancer advocate standing in front of a red Leukemia & Lymphoma Society event backdrop, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, glasses, and a patterned top. The image highlights community engagement, blood cancer awareness, and support for patients, survivors, and families affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. Featured as part of a blood cancer survivor story, the photo reflects advocacy, resilience, and the impact of collective action in the blood cancer community.

Angie

Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)

A blood cancer volunteer stands with a bicycle at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with the iconic mountain monument and visitors visible in the background. Wearing cycling gear and protective arm sleeves, the individual poses during a long-distance cycling adventure that supports blood cancer awareness and advocacy. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, perseverance, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis while inspiring hope for others affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

Darin

Volunteer and supporter

A person is lying in a hospital bed wearing a patterned hospital gown. The individual has multiple hospital wristbands on one arm and a small bandage near the wrist. They are holding a light blue surgical mask near their chin. The background shows a curtain with a circular pattern and part of a wall-mounted medical device.

Georgia

mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL)

Close-up indoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor wearing a burgundy polka-dot blouse, illuminated by natural window light. The image accompanies a blood cancer survivor story, highlighting resilience, advocacy, and life after a blood cancer diagnosis. This authentic portrait reflects the strength of individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, while emphasizing hope, survivorship, and the importance of support within the blood cancer community.

Anna

mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)

Outdoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing on a sidewalk in a landscaped neighborhood, wearing a black top and a colorful statement necklace. Trees and greenery create a natural backdrop. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, hope, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis. The photo represents the strength of individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, while emphasizing the importance of awareness, support, and survivorship.

Sharon

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Close-up indoor selfie showing an older adult wearing glasses and a red shirt while holding a baby. Soft natural light fills the room, highlighting a meaningful family moment across generations. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image reflects the importance of family, resilience, and celebrating everyday milestones after a blood cancer diagnosis. The photo represents hope, connection, and the support that helps individuals and families navigate the blood cancer experience.

Joseph

plasma cell leukemia (PCL)

Portrait of a blood cancer advocate standing in front of a green floral background featuring a white dove graphic. The individual wears glasses and a sleeveless top while posing for the camera. Featured as part of a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights awareness, remembrance, resilience, and community support for people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. The photo reflects hope and the lasting impact of blood cancer advocacy and patient storytelling.

Joan

Family member and supporter

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