<B>GRAND BLANC<$> -- While many students in the district celebrate National Reading Month with guest readers and activities, students at Mason Elementary are doing something special this month. Today (Thursday), students will participate in a read-a-thon to help rebuild the home of Jared Marsh.

Marsh, 9, currently is undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma and started his fifth round of chemotherapy on Monday. His family’s home in Rose Twp. had a leaky roof that led to mold problems, making the home uninhabitable for Marsh and his weakened immune system.

Mason Elementary librarian tech Marilyn Berns said the idea to hold the read-a-thon for Marsh was an easy choice. “We always do a reading activity in March at Mason,” she said. “We always have a different theme each year. I saw the article about Jared in the paper and thought it was a good cause to raise money for.”

The read-a-thon begins after morning announcements and will last about 30-45 minutes. Students can bring in pillows and sleeping bags for the event. Close to 500 students will participate and the school hopes to raise $1,000 for Marsh. Students also have the chance to win prizes during the event.

“If he is feeling well after the chemo, he [Marsh] may come to the event with his parents and we will present him with a big check,” said Berns.

Efforts to raise funds for Marsh and the renovation of his family’s home are being spearheaded by RestorationNET, a local and independent nonprofit group. So far, the efforts have raised a total of $62,111, which is only $8,190 away from their targeted goal of $70,301.

Currently, Marsh and his family are living in a donated home in Swartz Creek but they might be heading back to a newly renovated home soon.

“We are down to needing carpet and paint,” said Keith O’Neal, director of RestorationNET. “We have a goal completion date of April 14, but we could be in the house in three weeks if everything is done and we receive the carpet and paint.”

The reading-themed event also holds special meaning to Marsh since reading is one of his passions. “He loves to read,” said O’Neal. “Jared is unable to read right now but when he found out that Mason Elementary was doing a read-a-thon for his benefit, his face really lit up.”

For more information on Marsh and RestorationNET or to make a donation, contact O’Neal at 810-210-5442 or visit http://bringjaredhome.org. For information on the school’s read-a-thon, contact Berns at 810-591-7870. -- <B><I>Natalie Blythe<$>

More Tips