Skating to help fight cancer

For Melissa Anderson of Streamwood, 2008 has been a trying year.

Both of her South Elgin-based parents were diagnosed with cancerous brain tumors this winter, just three weeks apart from each other.

Her mother, Kim Jackson, lost that battle this past Easter, while her father, William, continues the fight at Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, Anderson said.

Doctors recently removed two thirds of his tumor and he undergoes chemotherapy and radiation treatments every six weeks, Anderson said.

Her family's battle continues across the county, as Anderson's aunt Karen Hughes continues to fight bone, breast and lung cancer from her residence in Virginia.

"It's affected my family a whole lot more than I thought it would," said Anderson, 27.

Through it all, Anderson says she has turned to her husband, Rob, family members and friends for support.

"You have to do what you have to do in situations like this," she said.

On Sunday she was able to honor her mother -- and have some fun -- during The Elgin Jaycees fundraising event at MainStreet USA Roller Rink in Streamwood.

The event was held to benefit the American Cancer Society's Walk & Roll, which is scheduled for May 10, and was dedicated to Anderson's mother, Kim.

The Walk & Roll will begin next month in Elgin's Festival Park and will include a five-mile walk, a 10-mile skate and a 15-mile bike ride. Each event will raise money for cancer research and to help find a cure for the disease. The Jaycees will participate in the charity bike ride.

Twenty people attended Sunday, helping the Elgin Jaycees raise $250 toward the Walk & Roll, said Wendy Covich, the group's chairwoman.

Officials had hoped to raise $1,000 for the walk from the party and may organize a second activity to reach that goal, Covich said.

If you would like to donate, visit www.elginjaycees.org.