Lake Forest High School filled its stands with gold Sept. 19 for the annual Gold Rush football game. This year's game honored Hadley Lawrenz, a 16-year-old student battling acute myeloid leukemia.

Hadley, the daughter of LFHS special education teacher Michelle Lawrenz and her husband Brad, was diagnosed with AML on May 29 and immediately admitted to Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital, according to The Forest Scout, the school's student newspaper. She began chemotherapy June 3.

Each September, LFHS holds a Gold Rush game to raise awareness for pediatric cancer. This year, the LFHS Boosters dedicated the event specifically to the Lawrenz family, urging the community to attend the Scouts' home game against Warren.

Scout Nation, the school's student spirit organization, spent days planning the event. Carina Lagunas, a senior and co-president of Scout Nation, told The Forest Scout that the night carried weight beyond the scoreboard.

"Seeing everyone in gold, the energy in the stands, and the smiles on Hadley's, Mrs. Lawrenz's, and other people's faces, made this event so special," Lagunas said. "It continues to remind us that these games are about more than just sports."

The community responded.

Michelle Lawrenz, who also coaches at LFHS, has been balancing her teaching duties with an intense caretaking schedule since Hadley's diagnosis. She told The Forest Scout that Gold Rush now makes her think of research, treatment options and the chance for kids like Hadley to grow up.

According to a GoFundMe page organized by Kim Jones, described as Michelle Lawrenz's best friend and co-worker, Hadley has completed two rounds of chemotherapy and is preparing for a bone marrow transplant expected in early October. The family plans to spend at least six months in Milwaukee during the transplant and recovery.

The fundraiser, titled "Love for Lawrenz," had raised $54,218 toward a $75,000 goal from 528 donations as of Sept. 23. The funds will cover travel between Illinois and Milwaukee, housing, meals, medical expenses and items on Hadley's wishlist.

Before her diagnosis, Hadley had been looking forward to a senior trip to Europe, her senior golf season and homecoming, according to the GoFundMe page.

Residents who want to support the family can donate at the Love for Lawrenz GoFundMe page.