Hoffman Estates family continues pediatric cancer fight
A Hoffman Estates family continues to remain true to its word in vowing to help other families facing a diagnosis of a rare pediatric cancer.
James and Dorie Sexton lost their 3-year old son, Michael, to neuroblastoma cancer 18 years ago, and the next year they organized the Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Society, dedicated to raising funds for research and family support.
On Saturday, they will host their first 5K run/walk at Busse Woods near Elk Grove Village, on what would have been their son’s 21st birthday. They are calling the event “Running with the Bulls” to reflect their son’s passion for the Chicago Bulls.
“Hundreds of neuroblastoma families devastated by the disease contact us each year,” said James Sexton, a Schaumburg-based CPA. “Unfortunately, the majority of children are at advanced stages and do not survive.
“In Michael’s memory and in support of all children fighting this disease,” he added “we have vowed to work even harder to find a cure.”
The family has pledged that 100 percent of the run proceeds will be earmarked for neuroblastoma research, led by Dr. Susan Cohn at Comer’s Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Since the start of their Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Society in 1994, the Sextons have donated more than $1.5 million into research grants.Cohn will be on hand at the inaugural run, as well as 15-year-old Matt Galvan of Highland, Ind., currently being treated for neuroblastoma at Comer#146;s Children#146;s Hospital. Benny the Bull, mascot of the Chicago Bulls, will cheer on participants.Approximately 11,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year, as it remains one of the worst forms of the disease.#147;Surprisingly,#148; Sexton said, #147;the major funders of cancer research have made neuroblastoma a shockingly low priority.#148;The run starts at 9 a.m. on a certified course through the forest preserve. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. Enter Busse Woods on Higgins Road, just west of Arlington Heights Road.For more information, visit www.neuroblastomacancer.org.