Katherine Marie Romenesko, a former Arrowhead High School student, was 15 years old when she was diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer commonly found in children. Romenesko was a resident of Hartland, Wisconsin, and a freshman when she was diagnosed.

Romenesko began treatment and was supposed to start her sophomore year at Arrowhead, but was unable to. She lost her battle to leukemia on Friday, November 4, 2016.

Romenesko’s friends are now showing support for her by creating a team in honor of her in the “Briggs and Big Al’s Walk and Run For Children’s Hospitals of Wisconsin.” The walk this year is on September 15th at 10:30 am at the Summerfest Grounds.

The team is known as “Katie’s Krew” and has been raising money for Children’s Hospital in honor of Romenesko since September 17th, 2016 and has raised over two thousand- four hundred and seventy five dollars.

The team was founded by Mollyn Leyden.

Leyden met Romenesko growing up but then became her best friend in eighth when they were in the same geometry class.

Leyden knew about the Brigg’s and Big Al’s Walk because she had walked in it when she was younger for a family friend who had a brain tumor.

“I remembered how fun and encouraging it was and decided to make a team for Romenesko when she was still in the hospital,” said Leyden.

Leyden says, “Around fifty people have signed up already in support of Katie” and she is always looking for more to join to support the Children’s Hospital and to honor Romenesko.

“The overall mood of the team is said to be the best part of the walk,” said Leyden.

Rachel Foust, another friend of Romenesko, says, “It is so uplifting and I can’t wait to participate for a third year in a row. Even though Romenesko passed away a couple months after we walked for the first time, getting together as a team to walk together the second year was truly amazing. It brought a smile to everyone’s face and made me remember how many people loved Romenesko and the overwhelming support system that we as her friends have too.”

The walk was started a past Marquette University’s basketball coach over 40 years ago. Al McGuire was the head of the organization for 15 years.

To sign up for this walk, visit the website at http://www.chwevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=1191&pg=informational&sid=1231 by September 15th. To participate as an adult walker it costs thirty dollars. To participate as an adult runner it costs forty dollars.

To learn more about “Katie’s Krew” itself Leyden has all the details and information. You can contact her at [email protected].