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Teacher, Lombard native honored with 'Truffula Shuffula 5K'

Marla Fitzgerald always dreamed of running the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago.

That dream was cut short during her training, however, when the beloved special education teacher fell ill with meningitis two years ago.

Mrs. Fitz, as she was known to her students, died Jan. 25, 2013. She was 46.

This weekend, Fitzgerald will be remembered with all her favorite things - running, education, family and friends - during the Truffula Shuffula 5K run/walk in downtown Lombard.

The name of the race refers to the trees in one of Fitzgerald's favorite books, "The Lorax" by Dr. Suess, and the "Shuffle" part of the Shamrock Shuffle.

Fitzgerald's mother, Marilyn Fawell, said her daughter's classroom at Stratford Middle School in Bloomingdale was decorated with images and sayings from the famous writer.

"She absolutely loved her job," Fawell said. "She was involved in so many activities at the school and they really loved her."

More than 300 people had registered for the race as of Tuesday afternoon, including family, friends, co-workers and people Fitzgerald knew through her church and her son Jack's youth football league, the Lombard Falcons.

"She was a very nice person and people just really gravitated toward her," Fawell said.

The race will begin at 9 a.m. at the corner of Park Avenue and Orchard Terrace. Participants can complete a timed 5K walk/run or a 1-mile walk.

Registration prior to the race is $35 for adults and $20 for those 17 and younger. On the day of the race, participants of all ages can register starting at 7 a.m. for $45.

The course passes the home Fitzgerald grew up in and travels up to North Avenue before ending near the starting line.

Fitzgerald's husband, Drew, came up with the idea of a race, realizing it "would be something she would want," Fawell said. He also proposed donating all proceeds to the Golden Apple Foundation, which provides scholarships, mentorship and other resources for Illinois educators.

Fawell said her daughter believed in every child she taught and didn't see anything negative about them, even if they did act up at times.

"She never judged people, she just accepted them for who they were," Fawell said, adding that her daughter's mantra was "one person could make a difference."

Inspired by Fitzgerald's work, the school started handing out an annual "Mrs. Fitz Award" to an outstanding student. The school also has helped promote the race, along with Fitzgerald's alma mater, College of DuPage, and Community High School District 88.

A post-race party with raffles will be held at O'Neill's Pub, 236 E. St. Charles Road. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Fawell said the event won't be a sad memorial, but instead a fun way for people of all ages to celebrate Fitzgerald's life.

"We're doing it in memory of someone we all love," she said.

If you go

What: The Truffula Shuffula in memory of Marla Fitzgerald

When: Registration opens at 7 a.m.; run begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 25

Where: Downtown Lombard, at Park Avenue and Orchard Terrace

Cost: $35 for adults, $20 age 17 and younger; all ages $45 day of event

Why: All proceeds will go to The Golden Apple Foundation in memory of Marla

Info: marlas5k.com or (630) 449-2813

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