Students rolled out of bed and went to school on Friday to help raise money on the 5th annual PJ Day across the state.
NBC Connecticut stopped by Captain Nathan Hale Middle School in Coventry where students and even staff members wore their pajamas.
"We earned $1,000 dollars and 175 toys," said 8th grader Courtney Lessard. "So I think that it is amazing that we can give that to C.C.M.C. and to help all those kids."
The money and toys will go to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center for its Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Nick Wesoloskie, 6th grader, has seen the hospital many times.
"My sister Charlotte had cancer and I wanted no one to have to go through the same experience," said Wesoloskie.
He started PJ Day when he was just 7 years old, while his baby sister fought for her life.
"She had aggressive cancer in her chest wall and it was pretty bad," said Wesoloskie.
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Watching his little sister spend her days bed ridden sparked an idea that he shared with others.
“He wanted us to wear pajamas because the kids have to wear pajamas all day and they can’t really get out of them,” said Lessard.
So far PJ Day has raised more than $20,000 since it started in 2011. Wesoloskie said now some 20 school districts don pajamas to support the cause. Michael Sullivan, 7th grade, was proud to wear his pajamas Friday and encourage others to do the same.
“If they wore pajamas or donated, we would give them a sticker and thank them,” said Sullivan.
Wesoloskie believes other children with cancer will smile when they play with a toy or learn that others are willing to walk in their shoes, or pajamas even for a day.
