District 300 walks to honor cancer survivors

Every time Edana Jelinek thought she had cancer beat, the disease would spread to another part of her body and she would need another debilitating treatment.

The former Hampshire High School special education teacher was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004. Even while fighting cancer, Jelinek continued to teach for four years, until the side effects of chemotherapy forced her to retire after 24 years at Hampshire.

Now, Jelinek is day to day, trying to shrink tumors that have formed in her liver while keeping a positive attitude.

"I don't know what tomorrow will bring," said Jelinek, who lives in Hampshire. "I'm just trying to live one day at a time."

In May, hundreds of students from Hampshire High School will walk to raise money for cancer research, inspired by survivors like Jelinek and others who lost the battle.

Hampshire High School will join Dundee-Crown and Jacobs high schools for the first Relay For Life for students, staff and families from across Community Unit District 300.

Nationwide, Relay for Life, the major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, has raised more than $3 billion for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services since its inception in 1985.

During the 12-hour overnight relay, teams of participants take turns walking laps around a track while reflecting on the lives that have been affected by cancer.

For several years, students at Dundee-Crown and Jacobs have participated in separate relays. By combining all three district high schools, District 300 administrators hope to boost participation and raise more money than ever before.

The District 300 Relay for Life is expected to draw between 750 and 1,250 people. Organizers are hoping to raise about $80,000 for the American Cancer Society.

"Bringing in two other schools and the community - it's not such a hard goal," Jacobs Assistant Principal Francesca DiMaggio said.

Hampshire High School, joining the relay for the first time, has already exceeded its initial goals for fundraising and participation.

"Cancer impacts so many people that - it gives them a purpose," said Becky Fetterman, a special-education teacher at Hampshire who is helping organize Relay for Life at the high school. "I think they're really interested in it because they're so touched by it."

So far, more than 50 teams of students from the three high schools have signed up for the event, which starts at 6 p.m. on May 15 at Randall Oaks Park in West Dundee.

Jelinek said she was moved by the response from students, some of whom she used to teach.

"For them to be doing this, it means a lot to me," Jelinek said. "It's hard to explain the emotion I feel - because Hampshire High School means so much to me."

The district is still seeking teams of eight to 10 people, with a goal of signing up 100 teams. To register or donate, visit relayforlifeschooldistrict300.com.