Conover Road students raise pennies for patients COLTS NECK - Students at the Conover Road Primary School collected money to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society during the month ofApril. After a kickoff assembly presented by the society, the children earned money for chores in the home or neighborhood that they then contributed to this service learning effort. After three weeks of bringing their spare change to school, the total was $4,510. This is the second year that Conover Road Primary School pupils have participated in the "Pennies for Patients" program. Last year the school raised $3,045 and was the top fundraising school in Monmouth County, according to a press release. "I am so proud of our students," Principal Tricia Barr said. "They did a great job of giving selflessly and although they're young, they really understood what the money is used for. Although they could have won a pizza or pasta party, they elected to contribute 100 percent of the money to this very worthy cause." Leukemia is the leading cause of cancer death among children. An estimated 785,000Americans have blood cancers and every five minutes, someone new is diagnosed, according to the press release. Since 1992, millions of dollars have been raised in pennies and other spare change by more than 12 million elementary school, middle school and high school students nationwide. The mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myleoma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. "These students serve as an example to all of us through their commitment to helping others," said Jamie Gregal, campaign manager for the Southern New Jersey/Shore Region Chapter. "Their efforts will help local patients and their families along with funding blood cancer research in the local southern New Jersey area."