State Rep. Tim Ackert Advocates For Childhood Cancer Awareness

HARTFORD – State Representative Tim Ackert (R-8) testified in front of the Government Administration and Elections Committee on behalf of a bill that would promote wearing pajamas in support of children who are battling cancer.

The legislation, SB-1002, An Act Designating Various Days, Weeks, Months and State Symbols and Naming a State Office Complex, would seek to proclaim the second Friday in December to be ‘PJ Day’
in order to raise awareness of all of those children being treated and cared for in hospitals across the state.

“It has been an honor to have been involved with this wonderful fundraiser,” Rep. Ackert said. “Nick was only in second grade when he came up with this idea, so it just goes to show you that you can make a positive impact at any age.”

Eager to give back for the lifesaving care his then three week old sister Charlotte received at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Nick Wesoloskie, a young student from Coventry Grammar School challenged his classmates to wear their pajamas in honor of patients at CCMC who had to wear them for prolonged periods of time while fighting cancer or other serious illnesses.

Since its inception in 2011 and with the assistance of more than 100 schools, 53 Dunkin Donuts locations, local business partners, and CCMC staff, the event has raised more than $89,000 in 2016 for the Cancer Care Center at CCMC.

According to CCMC in order to participate you will need the following:

• Receive permission from your school to host PJ Day with a suggested donation of $1 or more.

• Send notices home and advertise at your school.

• Designate a staff member to collect donations.

You can also register online at pjday.kintera.org, or by calling 860.837.5737.