Malik, Beth and Hannah

Malik, Beth and Hannah

Update: Principal Katie Kirkpatrick says Malik’s mom confirms that his diagnosis is lymphoma, not leukemia. I have corrected this post and add her expression of appreciation for Lake Highlands’ love and support for her son.

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The bad news: Merriman Park Elementary has added another child to its prayer list – cancer has struck the neighborhood school again.

The good news: the entire campus is rallying around the newly-diagnosed fifth grader and re-energized their Pasta for Pennies campaign to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Ten-year-old Malik Little learned he had lymphoma on Friday following a trip to the hospital for surgery. After Kindergarten teacher Beth Lyons was diagnosed with leukemia last May, and second grader Hannah English was diagnosed with leukemia in the fall, their friends – the entire school – are well-prepared to support Malik when he is well enough to return to MPE.

If you’d like to help, you can make a donation online to Pasta for Pennies. The class that raises the most money goes to Olive Garden to celebrate, but the truth is, everyone wins as the research of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society progresses.