For local unions, it is a resolution like no other: Raise enough money by the New Year to help finance research for a vaccine to help 12-year-old Sleepy Hollow student Lucas Goldbaum, and children like him, who suffer from a rare form of brain cancer.

A team of scientists at the not-for-profit Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California has been researching antibodies that are similar to ones found in the type of cancer Goldbaum has, and agreed to expedite research for the specific antibody plaguing him and other children if $250,000 in funding can be found by Dec. 31.

Goldbaum's aunt, Colleen O'Connell, an elementary physical education teacher and member of the Jericho Teachers Association in Nassau County, says time is of the essence to stop the tumor's growth. She has rallied her local union to help.

"Cedars is trying to develop a vaccine to help him and other kids like him,"she said, noting the type of brain cancer Lucas has is rare, so more research is needed.

"I can't find the words to fully describe the incredible support and love that I have received during this crisis," she said.

"We know that teachers are a caring community,"said Jericho TA president MaryAnn Risi, an elementary support services teachers. In addition to calling on colleagues for help, the union has donated $500 to the fund.

Teachers and staff have sponsored dress-down days to raise money, and many are also donating directly to the fund.

In the district where Lucas and his brother Zachary attend school, the Teachers Association of The Tarrytowns in Westchester County pledged $250 in union funds to the cause, said local president Rick Perugini. The local is also looking into fundraising ideas.

The Washington Irving elementary school is sponsoring dress-down Fridays, and the Sleepy Hollow Middle school, where Lucas attends classes most afternoons, is staging movie night. Community groups are raising money through soccer and tennis tournaments.

"We're hopeful the newly-elected president will address healthcare so fewer children will have to do this kind of outreach to receive treatments,"Risi said.

The vaccination, said Lucas's mother Kathleen O'Connell, "has the potential for a scientific breakthrough to help many children with brain cancer."

The research, she said, will focus on "going after the Queen Bee of the tumor cell. It's an innovative approach."

A senior story editor with CBS News "48 Hours,"O'Connell has been devoting time to caring for her sons, raising money and doing research on the vaccine and other treatments.

In just four weeks, she said $120,000 has been raised, and with that in hand, the Cedars-Sinai research team has already begun hiring staff and research fellows to begin work on the vaccine.

Donations can be sent directly to KC Miller, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Suite 2416, Los Angeles, CA 90048. The notation part of the check should indicate "In Honor of Lucas Goldbaum." E-mail can be sent to millerk@cshs.org.

For more information, check out Lucas's Web site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/lucasgoldbaum.