Friends fight breast cancer

Cancer is very scary, especially when it hits someone you love.

But four running friends from Arlington Heights and Palatine are fighting back.

At 9 a.m., Saturday, June 11, they will stage their second annual F.A.B. 5K to raise money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The run/walk — F.A.B. means Fight Against Breast Cancer — will start and end at Patton School, 1616 N. Patton Ave., Arlington Heights.

While the four organizers — Lesley Delahanty, Kelly Spokas and Bonnie Alcaro of Arlington Heights and Melanie Hopper of Palatine — all have loved ones who inspire them, the race once again especially honors Sarah Lopez.

Last year the event raised $15,000 with 150 runners and 75 volunteers. While Sarah Lopez obviously appreciated the love shown her at the first run, the mother of two Patton school boys lost her fight with the disease in December. This second race will take place on what would have been her 40th birthday.

“Her family is doing remarkably well,” said Delahanty. “They have moved forward with the same courage and determination they had during Sarah’s battle. It’s truly amazing and inspirational to witness. I love seeing her smile through her boys’ faces whenever I see them.”

Registration is $25 for each adult walker or runner and $10 per child ages 5 to 12 for those who sign up online at fab5k.com. Volunteers are also needed. Registration on the day of the walk is a little more expensive.

The organizers say they hope Sarah Lopez’ sons to see a lot of people celebrating their mother’s birthday.