American Litho Employees Aim to Raise $10,000 at Relay For Life of Carol Stream

American Litho employees are forming a cancer-fighting team that will take to the track at Relay For Life of Carol Stream on Saturday, June 24.

The annual event, which takes place at Ross Ferraro Town Center, will give the entire community a chance to celebrate the lives of those who've survived cancer, remember those lost to to the disease and fight back against the malady that more than 15 million Americans are facing right now.

"This is our 4th year in a row raising funds for the American Cancer Society," says team co-captain Frank Arostegui, himself a cancer survivor and leadership volunteer with ACS in DuPage County. "Since 2014 we've brought in a total of $20,500 - and this year we're aiming to grow that figure by a third."

Co-captain Sharon Rubar, who has supported the company's Relay efforts from the start, says her colleagues are looking forward to a full slate of fundraising events leading up to Relay, starting with a bake sale this week.

"We have a 50/50 drawing set for the week after Memorial Day and the following week we're bringing back our incredibly successful penny wars," she says. "There's a dress-down day on June 14 and we finish up with a drawing for a flat-screen TV the week of June 19th."

All efforts will culminate with the walk at Ross Ferraro Town Center, when friends, family and colleagues will gather under the Team Red, White and You banner.

"We began with a very small team our first year and have built a bigger effort each subsequent year," Arostegui says. "Our kids, our neighbors, our friends and even many of our clients are giving us their active support."

While the team definitely emphasizes fun and family in all Relay activities, there's a serious side to their mission, says Arostegui.

"It's important to realize that 1 in 3 of our friends, family and work colleagues will someday face cancer. We're raising funds in an all-out effort to change that number."

Arostegui shared the story of his own cancer journey in the company's blog, Brand Energy. The American Litho team includes fellow cancer survivors and many individuals who've lost a loved one to cancer, he notes.

"We are honored to take part in Relay For Life as a company and as individuals united against cancer," adds American Litho President Mike Fontana. "We consider this an opportunity to work together on a health issue that truly affects all of us."

Team members are reaching out to friends, family and the community for gifts that will support cancer research, education and patient support services funded by ACS. Among the charity's many nationwide programs is an 800 number that anyone can call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for reliable cancer information and local resources.

"The ACS cancer helpline is 1-800-227-2345," says Rubar. "Everyone should know that number because, at some time, virtually all of us will either face cancer or need help for someone we know and love."

Gifts may be made to American Litho's Red, White and You Relay team via the team's fundraising page. For a minimum donation of $10, supporters can dedicate a lighted bag, or luminaria, in the name of any individual affected by cancer. Hundreds of luminaria will light the pathway for walkers at the June 24 event. Donations in any amount are warmly welcomed. To give, click here:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY17LS?team_id=2210809&pg=team&fr_id=81049

For more details on Relay For Life of Carol Stream, visit the official ACS event page:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY17LS?pg=entry&fr_id=81049