5K helps honor Glen Ellyn coach, raise cancer awareness

For many, Sunday's 5K run in Glen Ellyn wasn't just about raising money for melanoma research, but the company of those who have lost loved ones to the disease.

"The most important thing ... is the support of an extended family, a group of people coming together," said Adam Miller of Wheaton. "That can really help a lot of people."

He was among hundreds of runners who participated in the sixth annual "This Run's for Jack" Melanoma Cancer 5K Run/Walk Sunday.

Miller runs each year in honor of his friend's wife, Amy Kaphengst, who died of melanoma.

The event is named for Jack Marston, a longtime youth sports coach in the community who died of melanoma in 2004.

Marston competed in four marathons during his life and his friends say he would be thrilled to see so many people running in his name.

"Jack was such a runner himself and Glen Ellyn is a community of runners so we just thought it would be a really good way to pay tribute," said organizer Amy Saletta.

Runners of all ages participated in the run Sunday, wearing shirts with Marston's name that also bore the words strength, passion and focus, which just happen to also have the initials SPF.

Organizers hope the event will be a reminder to all about the dangers of melanoma and the importance of seeing a dermatologist annually. Free screenings were available at the run.

"We need a lot more publicity about it because it is a very dangerous disease, much more so than people realize," said Norma Fielder, who made the trip to Glen Ellyn from Galena for the run.

Fielder and her group of more than a dozen ran in memory of her husband, Bill, who died in 2006. Bill had melanoma and the cancer spread to the rest of his body. Sunday's event fell on what would have been his 73rd birthday.

The run raises an average of $50,000 a year toward a college scholarship for a Glenbard West High School senior as well as skin cancer research.

"It's a good family event and a great cause and there's great energy here," said Sandy Setzke of Glen Ellyn, who ran with her family. "All the kids that come out to support the cause ... I think it really helps increase the awareness of melanoma."

For more information go to www.jacksfund.org.