CABRINI-GREEN — An online fundraising page for Jenner Academy of the Arts Principal Robert Croston is more than a quarter of the way to the $100,000 sought to help pay for his ongoing medical treatment.
Croston is battling Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that attacks the heart, and has spent more than nine weeks in the hospital since September, undergoing multiple surgeries.
According to the GoFundMe page created Monday by Croston's wife, Sheena, a Chicago Public Schools counselor, neither has been able to work this school year while dealing with his medical treatment.
It has already raised more than $28,000 on the way to its goal of $100,000.
According to the page, Marfan Syndrome is a connective-tissue disorder that typically preys on the heart and aorta function.
The Harvard-educated Croston has been credited with turning Jenner around and setting it on a firm academic course. He was honored a year ago with a Near North Community Award.
The webpage cites his motto as "N.E.S.T.": Be neighborly, stay engaged, be scholarly and use teamwork.
More recently, however, CPS has been exploring a possible merger between Jenner and Ogden International School. Jenner, at 1119 N. Cleveland Ave., is considered underused, while Ogden, 24 W. Walton St., is overcrowded.
"Rob is not able to return to work at this time so please join us in supporting Team Croston as Rob recovers," the online fundraising page reads. "Rob and Sheena desperately need our prayers and financial support. Funds will be used to help cover medical and living expenses."
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