"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly Lights." - James 1:17
What is some of the most exciting news that you have ever received? For former teacher and recently diagnosed cancer patient, Mr. John Carlton, I can only imagine the joy he experienced learning that his brother was a 100% bone marrow match! As a result, John has the ability to participate in a bone marrow transplant that has the potential to cure his recent leukemia diagnosis. It has been said that the bond of brotherhood runs deep, and for these two brothers, this bond only continues to intensify!
Mr. John Carlton served on staff at St. Matthew from 1987 until 1990. His wife, Ruth, also served as a PE teacher for over ten years at St. Matthew, while their four children attended our school for their kindergarten through eighth grade years.
Last spring, life changed dramatically for John when he received the diagnosis of leukemia. Beginning in August, John has spent many days as a patient at the University of Michigan Hospital, receiving the bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, and numerous other medications that assisted in these processes or have assisted in alleviating some of the painful side effects.
Discharged on September 14th, John now receives 24-hour care and abundant medications that assist in keeping him safe, since he no longer has an immune system at this time due to the chemotherapy. The prayer is that his new stem cells graft soon and reproduce white blood cells quickly so that he does not become sick. In addition, John will need weekly check ups at the University of Michigan hospital for at least a year. Unable to work and/or drive himself to these appointments, his youngest son has adjusted his work schedule to help in this routine so that Ruth can continue to work as a Kindergarten teacher at Christ Lutheran School in Milford.
Sounds like the perfect time to have a small dream...
and help Mr. Carlton in the process!
As a result, pack your bags and get ready to join us for this year's 25th Annual Progressive Dinner on October 12th entitled, "Dream Small and Take A Big Journey Around The World"! Since this is a travel-themed Progressive Dinner, all proceeds will be given to Mr. Carlton to help with his commute back and forth to the 
University of Michigan hospital.
Prior to this evening, each grade will be learning about a particular country. During the Progressive Dinner, each grade will make a portion of the meal, highlighting a food from the country that they are studying. Parents and students will purchase tickets and "progress" from room to room sampling each classroom's delicious creations.
Our menu includes:
- Preschool and Kindergarten: Learning about Japan and serving Onigiri Rolls and kaki and/or nashi
- First and Second Grades: Learning about India and serving Somaos
- Third and Fourth Grades: Learning about Italy and serving spaghetti
- Fifth and Sixth Grades: Learning about Mexico and serving nachos
- Seventh and Eighth Grades: Learning about Canada and serving Naminao Bars
The meal will be served from 5:30 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. At 7:00 p.m., everyone will meet in the gym for a "World of Music" assembly in the gym, performed by Chataqua Express.
Tickets are $3.00 per person, or $15.00 per family, and will go on sale in the office starting today and available until October 5th. All proceeds from this event will be given to Mr. Carlton.
To sign up for this event online, please click HERE. You can also register in the school office.
We are looking forward to an evening of great fun, and we hope to see you there!
In Jesus' love,
Mrs. Palka