Walk and Roll benefits cancer society

As one of the American Cancer Society's signature events in Chicago, the 37th annual Walk & Roll is one of the largest annual fundraisers for the organization in Illinois.

Because of its growing popularity, the Chicago event has been expanded to four suburban locations this year in Elgin, Skokie, Independence Grove and Brookfield.

With the addition of two new suburban locations, the American Cancer Society can build upon last year's milestone of raising more than $1.1 million. This year, the society hopes to attract thousands of participants to help raise $1.5 million, which will help fund free patient service programs, research grants, education outreach and advocacy efforts to pass lifesaving laws.

Walk & Roll is a chance for teams of friends, families and co-workers to come together to fight cancer. Participants annually raise funds before the event, often to commemorate friends and family who have lost their lives to cancer or honor those who currently struggle with the disease. Participants then take part in a five-mile walk, 10-mile in-line skate or 15-mile bike ride.

In Elgin, the event will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, in Festival Park, off Grove Avenue.

On May 17, the Chicago event will begins at 9 a.m. in Grant Park, Lower Hutchinson Field along Chicago's Lakefront; registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; at the North Shore in Harms Woods in Skokie, registration begins at 7 a.m., with start times staggered beginning at 7:30 a.m.; In Western Cook County at Brookfield Woods with registration at 9:30 a.m. and the event at 10 a.m.; and in Lake County at Independence Grove with registration at 8 a.m., and the event at 9 a.m.

There is no registration fee to participate in the event, but participants are encouraged to raise pledges or make a donation. For information about the Walk and Roll Elgin, call (630) 879-9009.