Loyal canines, their owners walk together at Bark For Life

Sandy Gebner of Arlington Heights credits advancements made through the American Cancer Society with helping her to survive lymphoma, but she points to another factor that eased her recovery - her dog.

Wrigley, a 6-year-old black German shepherd, was her constant companion through her treatment and subsequent diagnosis with thyroid cancer, and her unconditional support, Gebner says, carried her through.

"I lived alone at the time, and she was always there," Gebner said. "She was always happy to see me, and she didn't care what I looked like."

Gebner now is serving on the committee of a unique fundraiser for the American Cancer Society that honors the kind of support and compassion that dogs provide to cancer patients and their families.

The second annual Bark For Life event takes place Sunday, Aug. 15, at locations throughout the suburbs, including in Libertyville. Registration opens at 8 a.m., when owners can check in with their dog on a leash and turn in pledges before stepping off at 9:30 a.m.

Activities, games and contests continue after the 1-mile walk.

"A lot of the venues where we hold our Relay For Life events do not allow dogs," said Ryan Kuhn, income development manager for the Northwest Suburban Chapter of the American Cancer Society. "But we've heard from our constituents that they want to bring their dogs.

"This still allows them to support the Relay mission, but with their dogs," Kuhn added. "And for some of these cancer patients, their pets are their best caregiver."

Mary Nolan of Schaumburg plans on attending the Hoffman Estates event on Sunday with her 7-year-old mixed lab, Nimbus. As a cancer patient just finishing up nearly two years of chemotherapy treatment, she says she looks forward to being able to celebrate the role her dog plays and talk about that unique bond with other cancer patients.

"He's my best friend," Nolan said. "He senses when I'm not feeling well and when I'm well enough to go out for a walk. I really don't think I could get through this without him."

There are 13 Bark for Life events scheduled throughout Illinois this summer. American Cancer Society officials say they patterned theirs off one in Pottstown, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia, which launched the first one.

Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100. Just for reaching that initial goal, their dogs will receive a Bark For Life bandanna, while more prizes will be handed out for those who reach $250 in pledges and even $500.

Proceeds will aid the American Cancer Society's support services for local patients and their families, as well as cancer research programs, community education and advocacy initiatives.

If you goWhat: Bark For Life, a 1-mile walk and fundraiser for the American Cancer SocietyWhen: 8 a.m. on-site registration and 9:30 a.m. step off Sunday, Aug. 15Where: Lake County Forest Preserve Shelter C, Old School and St. Mary's roads, LibertyvilleCost: $25 participation fee if preregistered, $35 fee for on-site registration, both with a $100 fundraising goal encouraged Details: barkforlifelakecounty.comFalse13332000Claudia Eggen of Mundelein snuggles with her dog, Gizzmo, during last summer's Bark For Life Lake County 1-mile walk to raise money for cancer research at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville.Steve Lundy | Staff PhotographerFalse