Both First Ladies visited Arthur E. Canty Elementary School located in predominantly Polish neighborhood.
CHICAGO — On Tuesday, September 25, Illinois First Lady Patricia Blagojevich welcomed Maria Kaczynska, First Lady of Poland during her visit to Chicago . Both First Ladies met at the Arthur E. Canty Elementary School where they were greeted by the Principal of Canty Elementary, Lucja Mirowska-Kopec and a group of students and faculty, and toured the school’s special education and kindergarten classes, and English as a Second Language Program. Mrs. Blagojevich donated books to the school’s library and Mrs. Kaczynska presented a framed picture from Poland that will serve as a reminder of her visit.
The event is a part of Polish President Lech Kaczynski’s official visit to Chicago . As the First Lady of Poland, Maria Kaczynska co-operates with Polish and foreign non-governmental organizations focusing on social, medical and humanitarian issues. She participates in charity projects, using her position to help impoverished and handicapped persons, notably children with health problems and disabilities. She supports initiatives enriching Polish cultural life, acting in concert with artistic and intellectual circles. She is committed to promote her country abroad and to strengthen the positive image of democratic Poland in the world. She sometimes acts as Special Envoy of the President, representing her husband at official functions in various countries. She is involved in the international promotion of Polish cultural heritage.
Patricia Blagojevich brings firsthand experience and personal commitment to her strong advocacy on behalf of the women and children of Illinois . As the First Lady, she works hard to promote initiatives that will help the families of Illinois bring up happy, healthy, and successful children. She has tirelessly worked to raise awareness throughout the state on important health issues, such as breast cancer, heart disease and food allergies. Launched in 2004, the First Lady’s Illinois Pediatric Vision Initiative has reached out to parents, doctors, teachers and local health departments across the state to educate communities on preventable eye diseases, focusing specifically on Amblyopia (also known as “lazy eye.”). Throughout her husband’s administration, Mrs. Blagojevich has been involved in making Illinois more responsive to the needs of families
