Elgin 5K raises awareness for esophageal cancer

Bob Geier died of esophageal cancer in 2011, but his legacy has provided a beacon of hope for the Elgin community.

The Smiles 4 Bob 5K has been raising money for the Esophageal Cancer Action Network since 2012 when daughter Kayla, who is now 27, was helped by her mother Jan, brother Lucas, and sister Meghan in organizing the event.

“After my dad passed away, I wanted to find a way to remember him and then raise money for funding research and awareness,” said Kayla Geier of Madison, Wisconsin.

The fourth annual event was held Saturday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Elgin. As runners took off from the starting line and ran down a pedestrian path, signs with a printed purple ribbon and the names of loved ones lost to the disease dotted the winding path. On the flip side of the signs were facts about the disease for people to learn about the warning signs of esophageal cancer.

The goal was to raise $15,000 to bring the event's four-year total to $60,000. Geier estimated about 200 runners and walkers were participating this year.

During April, which is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, Kayla Geier and other volunteers posted fliers on local businesses and handed out brochures within the community.

“It means a lot to have all our friends and family around for one day — and people we've met throughout it — to celebrate my dad's life and to just keep his legacy alive,” said Kayla's sister, Meghan Geier of Chicago. “He loved helping other people and just having a fun party … It's nice to celebrate him every year.”

This year the family started a “Smile Campaign” on their Facebook page, “Smiles 4 Bob 5K,” in which they asked people to post pictures of reasons why they are smiling.

Kayla Geier said it was a popular addition and added, “Maybe bad things are happening; there's always a reason to smile.”

Visit www.smiles4bob5k.com or Smiles 4 Bob 5K on Facebook.