Bender Run aims to do more to prevent teen cardiac trouble

For Kathryn Bender's family and friends, her unexpected death was a call to make sure no other teens are lost to undetected heart conditions.

And as they prepare for the latest fundraiser in her honor, they're hoping to accomplish more in Kathryn's name than ever before.

The Kathryn Bender Memorial Foundation 5K Run/Walk later this month will raise money to help buy at least one mobile EKG machine for the Midwest Heart Foundation's Young Hearts for Life Program.

Organizers think the turnout on Aug. 21 will be the biggest yet as the event attracts participants from another Midwest Heart Foundation run that was canceled this year.

"Let's aim even higher and shoot for two machines this year," said Elizabeth Bender, Kathryn's sister and president of the foundation. "They're expensive, so that would be a great goal."

The mobile EKG machines allow technicians travel to area high schools offering free cardiac screenings for students. The aim is to discover abnormalities or indications of trouble that teens and their parents can discuss with their own doctors.

Such a screening might have helped Kathryn, who had shown no signs of a heart condition before collapsing unexpectedly in 2005 while backstage at a dance show. She was a senior at Naperville North High School at the time.

Chris Rambke, executive director of development for Midwest Heart Foundation, said Kathryn's parents reached out following Kathryn's death to support the organization's efforts to offer the cardiac screenings to area high school students

"The Benders took an almost immediate interest in our screening program and have been tremendously supportive," Rambke said. "We're honored they have again selected us to receive proceeds of their walk for our program."

The 5K begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at Naperville North High School's track, 899 N. Mill St. While there will be a timer available to satisfy runners' curiosity, the event is for fun and no official times or awards will be given out.

Early registration, which continues through Saturday, Aug. 7, is $20 per person or $60 per family. Registration then is $25 and $70 through race day.

Bender said the idea for a run was generated by an annual run organized by Naperville's Washington Junior High.

"That was in July so by moving it to late August, we're hoping to transition the event into a fall event," Bender said. "We need a breeze and some relief from the summer sun."

The 5K run is one of several fundraisers the Bender family now organizes annually including a spring dance showcase that was held on May 14.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What: </b>Kathryn Bender Memorial Foundation 5K Run/Walk</p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21; the run begins at 9 a.m.</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St.</p>

<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> $25 per person, $60 per family before Saturday, Aug. 7; $25 and $70 through race day</p>

<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://kbmf.net/fundraisers/5k_2010.htm" target="new">kbmf.net/fundraisers/5k_2010.htm</a></p>