Coach E’s Odd Squad raises over $25,000

On May 12, 2014, the Ehrenstroms, along with the Mount Carmel Community, lost a great man. Curt Ehrenstrom was a beloved father, husband, friend, football coach, and teacher who gave a spark of life to everyone he met.

On behalf of Mr. Ehrenstrom and others who suffer from pancreatic cancer, many people have come together in Chicago and across the country to raise funds for research to eradicate this disease.

Pancreatic cancer is a major problem in the United States and the Purplestride Organization plays a major role in donating money and finding a cure. The unfortunate passing of Mr. Ehrenstrom due to this disease has brought even more attention to Purplestride within the MC community.

According to the Purplestride Chicago official webpage (www.purplestride.kintera.org), “It is estimated that more than 48,900 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and more than 40,000 will die from the disease. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death, with a five-year relative survival rate of just 7%.”

In response, the annual Purplestride Chicago walkathon was held on Saturday, May 2, in Lincoln Park.  Many Mount Carmel faculty and students joined Coach E’s Odd Squad, which was organized by Coach E’s family to support this effor, for this year’s event.  The group has done well so far recruiting over 50 members who have donated more than $25,000 and surpassed their fundraising goal.

Mr. Jeff Enright and the student members of the Ehrenstrom Scholars Program were among those who participated on Saturday. “Since Coach Ehrenstrom taught here for so long and graduated from Carmel, it was the right thing to do. It not only affects Coach E but others who have pancreatic cancer as well.”

Just here in Chicago, the Purplestride organization is planning hopes to raise $700,000 for research into a cure for pancreatic cancer.