Lung cancer walk making strides

Renee Kosiarek is a prime example of one person making a difference.

When her father died of lung cancer five years ago, the Naperville woman soon discovered there weren't any local events aimed at funding research to better understand the disease or at educating people about it.

So she started one. And it took hold, building slowly but steadily.

The fifth annual Lung Cancer Walk and Rally, set for Saturday at Benet Academy in Lisle, promises to bring out old and new supporters.

"Already this year, we have over 400 people that have given donations," Kosiarek said. "I think we'll have at least 350 walking."

Proceeds from the one-mile walk will be donated to Lungevity, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that funds research into the diagnosis, treatment and curing of lung cancer. The organization also helps provide emotional support to cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Kosiarek is co-chairing the event with Kelly Ellis of the Midwest Center for Advanced Imaging, an event sponsor. Radio station WTMX 101.9-FM also is a sponsor.

The event begins with a lap around the Benet running track as bagpipes play in memory of those lost to lung cancer and in honor of those fighting the disease, Kosiarek said.

"It's a somewhat intimate walk," she said. "A lot of families who have been touched by lung cancer come out. People make signs saying who they're walking for."

Several lung cancer survivors will be among the walkers, she said.

Memorials also are made on an honor wall, a wall covered with photos.

"People can bring pictures of their loved ones," she said. "People can write notes to their loved ones."

Speakers at the rally will include Philip Bonomi, head of oncology at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center; Naperville-based pulmonologist Kevin Kovitz; and Dawn Wiegel of Cary, whose husband, Tim, died of lung cancer in February.

The rally following the walk also will include music from sponsoring radio station The Mix (WTMX 101.9-FM), a costumed character and children's activities.

Walkers who participate are not asked to pay an entry fee, she said. Funds are raised through pledges and donations; a $15 donation is suggested.

Kosiarek said strides are being made in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.

For example, she said, studies have indicated a declining rate of the disease in men.

Still, she said, there's a long way to go before the disease is understood well enough to cure it. And research dollars for lung cancer are scarce compared to resources devoted to finding cures for other diseases, she said.

"It's still very depressing how little money lung cancer gets and the mortality rate," Kosiarek said. "To be honest, it's a very depressing disease. A lot of people die from it, but a lot of people live. A lot of people fight with it. We're making headway."

More walks like the one Kosiarek initiated are beginning to spring up as well.

"If nothing else, we're receiving more money (from private funding sources)," she said.

Kosiarek said the Lung Cancer Walk and Rally in Lisle has raised between $20,000 and $25,000 each year. This year, she said, it appears the event could raise more than $40,000.

If you go

What: Fifth annual Lung Cancer Walk and Rally to benefit Lungevity

When: Breakfast and check-in at 8:30 a.m. Saturday; walk begins at 10 a.m.

Where: Benet Academy, 2200 Maple Ave., Lisle

Cost: Free, $15 donation suggested

Info: (630) 357-2276, walkforlungcancer.org or lungevity.org