Coding for Cancer: St. Clement’s & Spa Catholic Join Forces

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sherry Knotek has been the Technology and STEM teacher at St. Clement’s School in Saratoga Springs since 1995. Each year, during National Computer Science Week, St. Clement’s students participate in the worldwide “Hour of Code” by writing computer code for one hour.

This year, St. Clement’s is joining forces with Saratoga Central Catholic to create “Coding for Cancer,” a fundraiser that will benefit both the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

Knotek was diagnosed with cancer in September 2021 and still continues her treatments.

“I know I can combine my role as a technology teacher as well as a patient to make a difference,” Knoteck told Saratoga TODAY. “As a patient at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, I not only see the increased impact that technology continues to make on cancer research, but it inspires me to encourage the next generation of learners to pursue a career in technology. The opportunity to tie this all together has become my mission and Coding for Cancer was born.” 

Coding for Cancer will culminate on December 10 when students will spend an hour writing computer code during National Computer Science Week. In its first year, Coding for Cancer hopes to raise $25,000 for the Jimmy Fund.

“The Jimmy Fund was built on grassroots fundraising,” said Katherine Bahrawy, Associate Director of Event Fundraising at the Jimmy Fund, in a statement. “We are grateful for the efforts of our Jimmy FundRaisers, like Coding for Cancer, who are bringing their communities together to support groundbreaking research and extraordinary patient care at Dana-Farber. Every penny makes a difference.”

To support Coding for Cancer, visit https://charity.pledgeit.org/codeforcancer.