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Lodi students donated $2 each to dress in casual wear rather than their usual uniforms, with proceeds donated to the non-profit.
"We are always willing to help wherever we can," the school posted on Twitter. "Compassion at work."
Rare is Beautiful was founded by the Ingui family after 15-year-old Denise, also known as Dee Dee, was diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome in April 2015. The rare disease affects the gene that suppresses tumor growth, greatly increasing the risk of cancer.
"Not that many people know about it and unfortunately anything you read online says it's often undiagnosed," Sal Ingui told Daily Voice. "A lot of other people don't realize they have this disease until it's too late."
The foundation will hold its largest fundraiser of the year, a dinner at The Brownstone in Paterson, March 15. Tickets are sold out, but donations to the organization can be sent to Rare is Beautiful at P.O. Box 551, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407.
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