Helping patients get back to school

Every year, Children’s Minnesota raises money to help its patients when they’re ready to go back to school through a fundraiser with local Great Clips salons. Since it began 27 years ago, the Cut-a-Thon has raised $1.5 million. Mia, in photos above and below, was featured in this year’s campaign promoting the fundraiser for the school re-entry program, which “helps address the medical and emotional needs of a child returning to school after battling cancer or other serious illnesses,” according to the hospital’s website. Patrons donating $1 or more for a cardboard “backpack” nametag got a $2 coupon to the salons.