The Heather Janikowski Foundation hosted a 5k walk in honor of the late St. Jeanne de Lestonnac teacher (left), who passed away due to complications from breast cancer last January. Proceeds benefited 9-year-old Mateo Yanez (right) of Fallbrook, who is currently battling cancer.
Heather Janikowski, who was a beloved teacher at St. Jeanne de Lestonnac School, Temecula, before she passed away due to complications from breast cancer last January, was honored on Jan. 22 with a 5k sponsored by the Heather Janikowski foundation. All proceeds from the “Do It For Her” 5k benefited 9-year-old Mateo Yanez from nearby Fallbrook, who is battling Ewing Sarcoma cancer.
Janikowski volunteered for many years at St. Jeanne de Lestonnac School before joining their faculty. She was the Spirit Store chair and Auction chair on the Home and School Board. As faculty she taught preschool and later physical education. Health and fitness was a passion of hers; she started the Mustang Morning Striders club to promote running among students and parents as well as an exercise class for parents during lunch.
The 5k, which was held at Peltzer Winery in Temecula, drew 265 participants, many of them members of the St. Jeanne de Lestonnac School community, and raised $15,000 for Yanez.
The Heather Janikowski Foundation was created to honor her commitment to children, health, wellness and animals; for more information, visit hj.foundation.