MANKATO , MINN. -
Hundreds of people descended on the grounds of Mankato East to help a teacher who is battling leukemia.
Dressed in orange, participants laced up their shoes to take parting in a fun run to benefit Neil Paarmann.
Back in April Paarmann was diagnosed with leukemia, and shortly thereafter a committee formed and began brainstorming ways to help out.
One-hundred percent of the proceeds from Sunday's event went to Paarmann, and organizers say everyone from alumni to currents students came to show their support.
"And to see all these people here just shows what an impact Mr. Paarmann has had on the students and staff in this community, said event co-organizer Amanda Kozitza.
Paarmann, who also coaches track and skiing, says seeing so many people run for his cause gives him the motivation to keep fighting on.
"It's surreal," Paarmann said. "I mean it's just unbelievable to see not only former students, former athletes, parents, current students, colleagues--it's just amazing the show of support here in Mankato has been unbelievable."
Organizers say around 250 people participated in today's fun-run.
