Emma Holsopple, a St. Marys Catholic Elementary School preschool student in Mrs. Kamats’ classroom, lives with Pompe disease, a rare disease. In honor of Rare Disease Awareness Day on February 28, the preschool students celebrated with Zebra Cakes, inspired by the zebra — the mascot for rare disease awareness. Families were also invited to send in a small donation.
Thanks to the generosity of our preschool families, comfort items such as small toys, crayons, and coloring books were purchased and donated to the children visiting West Penn Hospital, bringing a little joy to kids who may be having a tough day.
What makes this story even more meaningful is that Mrs. Kamats’ daughter is also among the 1 in 10 Americans living with a rare disease, making this cause especially close to their hearts.
Pictured below are Emma, the preschool students who generously participated, and the doctors and nurses from the West Penn Emergency Department holding a few of the donated items.
At ECCSS, moments like this remind us that our faith calls us to care for one another, especially those facing challenges. Through small acts of kindness and generosity, our students learn what it truly means to live out Christ’s love in the world. 
