Worrall met with the Wolfson family in August. He was inspired not only by Ilana’s optimism and bright smile, but also by the Wolfson’s close family friend, Thomas Verrichia, who established Team Ilana to raise money in conjunction with The Lance Armstrong Foundation’s LIVESTRONG Challenge.

On October 1st, Worrall laid out his own challenge to the Middle School. If they could raise $1,000 in one month, he would shave his head. They did it in just five days. Not one to go back on his word, Worrall invited his barber to a special assembly scheduled for October 12.

“It couldn’t have gone better,” said Worrall of the Middle School fundraising efforts. “This epitomizes what Shipley is all about. This is what a community does for its members. We have a responsibility to support the community in any way that makes sense. This made sense to me.”

The day after finishing a three-day round of chemotherapy, Ilana got to do the honors and shave Worrall’s head. Later that day, she played in a field hockey match.

Thomas Verrichia made a special appearance at the assembly, thanking the Middle School for its support of Team Ilana. “It’s not just about cycling 100 miles,” he said of the LIVESTRONG Challenge. To date, Team Ilana has raised well over $60,000, which will go towards research and support of cancer patients through the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Support Team Ilana.