Running partners launch race to raise funds for breast cancer research

Four running partners are turning really bad news into something positive.

In honor of loved ones with breast cancer, runners Lesley Delahanty, Kelly Spokas and Bonnie Alcaro of Arlington Heights and Melanie Hopper of Palatine are staging the F.A.B. 5K June 12 at Patton Elementary School in Arlington Heights.

The event honors Sarah Lopez, a Patton mother fighting stage four breast cancer, but gives anyone interested a chance to show support for someone they care for who has been affected by the disease, Delahanty said.

While the suggested donation to walk or run is $20, it is not required. The four sponsors are paying expenses and have gathered donations of goods and services for a raffle. All money taken in will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

"One week in March all four of us got hit by breast cancer news," Delahanty said. "My good friend Sarah's disease took a turn for the worse and another woman's mother died, and another one lost her sister and the fourth one's mother finished her last round of treatment for her second occurrence of breast cancer."

The four wanted to hold a race to raise funds for Lopez, but she said any money should go to research. Lopez, the mother of two school age children, said it is hard to put into words what the race means to her.

"It's an amazing thing that they're doing," said Lopez, who will ride in the race's pace car. "I'm really, really touched that they thought of me and are working so hard to do what they can to help find a cure for breast cancer."

She said she and her husband, Alan Lopez, have good insurance, and would rather the money go to something that would benefit more people.

"I really would like to see more money going into research to find new drugs and hopefully a cure," she said. "A lot of money is spent on awareness, and it's good to have that awareness, but it's out there and a lot of people are already aware of it."

Organizers initially expected 150 entrants, but the race, which also has a fun run component for youngsters, could draw as many as 300, said Delahanty.

"It's been a really great experience seeing the community come together and want to provide support," she said.

Organizers will hold a pre-race registration from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Egg Harbor Cafe, 140 E. Wing St., in Arlington Heights. Participants also can register at 8:15 a.m. on race day at Patton. The race begins at 9 a.m., with a one-mile fun run/walk following at 9:10 a.m.

F.A.B. 5K

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 12; registration at 8:15 a.m.

Where: Patton Elementary School, 1616 N. Patton Ave., Arlington Heights

Advance registration: Email fab5krun@gmail.com to obtain a form

Information: Fab5k.blogspot.com

Donation: $20 suggested for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation