Sisters organize cancer walk in Libertyville

Marcia Slotky's daughters, Kim Reich of Highland Park, Bebe Nudelman of Buffalo Grove, and Lisa Winston of Deerfield, had an incredible role model to follow.

Their mother was a volunteer at Northbrook's Cancer Wellness Center, working more than three years on the committee for the Center's Annual Dinner/Dance Fundraising Gala before she herself was diagnosed with lung cancer and became a Cancer Wellness Center participant.

Marcia lost her battle with cancer in 2004. After her daughters went through the bereavement process, the center's management approached them and asked if they would be interested in organizing a fundraising event in Marcia's memory.

And so began the annual Stepping Up to Wellness Run/Walk, featuring the family-centered Marcia Slotky 1-Mile Family Walk.

“I think what was really important about the center, for us, and for our mother, was the family focus — that they included not only the person who was affected by cancer, but all of the family. And the services are family-based, and that's what our mom was all about,” Winston said.

This year's seventh edition of the annual event, which includes a 5K run/walk and 10K run, takes place at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 22, at Independence Grove, 16400 W. Buckley Road in Libertyville.

“When it first started, about seven years ago, I believe that Cancer Wellness Center was one of the first cancer organizations to host a family charity event,” Winston said.

“That was very inspiring to us. To know that babies can participate, that children can participate ... the child actually learns the meaning of helping others.”

“We came up with the idea of the Family Walk, and our team is called ‘Marcia's Treasures,'” Nudelman said. “Since then, other families have joined in, and it's gotten to be a very popular event each year because it is family-centered.”

In keeping with its family-friendly concept, organizers welcome strollers and wagons and have activities for kids every quarter mile of the walk. There's also a play field for children, as well as arts and crafts activities.

The event is designed with kids in mind — Marcia's grandkids, to be precise.

“All of our children volunteer the day of the event and their friends volunteer, too,” Winston said.

The Cancer Wellness Center provides a shuttle bus to ease parking concerns, a DJ provides music to warm up participants before running or walking, and volunteers hand out food and beverages. The festive atmosphere ensures that all volunteers and participants enjoy their time while raising money for Cancer Wellness Center's free activities.

“It's a living legacy for our mother, so that's why it's important to us,” Winston said.

Proceeds benefit Cancer Wellness Center's programs, providing support to individuals and families coping with a cancer diagnosis.

For details or to participate, visit www.events.org/steppinguptowellness or call (847) 509-9595.