Join June 25 Relay For Life of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff
Relay For Life is an overnight event that brings the community together to celebrate the lives of those who have cancer, remember those lost to the disease, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.
Co-chairs of the event, Claire Treacy and Kim Spoerke encourage everyone to attend the event, “We have all been touched by cancer. Relay for Life is a great event to show how a community can come together to fight back against the disease,” says Spoerke.
“As a Lake Forest resident, preparation for Relay has being focused on creating awareness in the community, be seeking involvement of others from local businesses, and by enlisting support via fundraising, sponsorship and donations,” says Treacy, “Another important part to preparing for Relay for Life is to seek cancer survivors and caregivers so that these people can be honored as part of the event. This is a very poignant part of the celebration.”
Teams of local businesses, schools, churches, community groups and families raise funds - prior to and at the event – to support cancer research to help find cures and to provide local programs aimed at helping people stay well, get well and fight back.
“We'll have food, games, face painting and a D.J will be playing great music throughout the night as people walk the track,” says Spoerke. “In addition, the program includes an opening ceremony to recognize survivors, caregivers and the teams.”
The opening ceremony starts at 6 p.m. Local cancer survivors will unite to walk the first lap of the event at 6:30 p.m. They are then joined by family, friends and co-workers; the caregivers who helped them through their battle with cancer. After that, a member of each team will take shifts to walk the track throughout the next 12 hours.
“Three years ago, I joined my company's team,” says Spoerke, “Everyone on the committee had different reasons to participate but the same goal - fight back against cancer by raising funds and increasing participation at the event. In doing so, we have spread the word about the services that American Cancer Society provides.”
In addition to being a celebration, Relay For Life is also a tribute to those who have been lost to cancer, a celebration of those who have survived cancer, and a hope for those who currently face cancer that one day through our efforts cancer will be eliminated.
The Luminaria Ceremony will be held at 10 p.m., just after dark, to honor and remember loved ones. Honorees include survivors, caregivers and those who have lost their battle against the disease. Hundreds of luminaria will line the track and continue to burn throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their loves ones' life.
“I got involved in Relay last year at the one year anniversary of my dad's passing. He conquered colon and bladder cancer, and passed away with prostate cancer.” says Lake Forest resident Jill Nason, member of Team Nason, “The Relay was therapeutic to my Mom, after losing her best friend of 48 years. It is an awful disease, and I will do what I can to help.”
American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff organizers hope to raise over $79,000 at this year's event.
“We are focused on reaching our goals,” says Spoerke. “We are continuing to focus on increasing the number of survivors and participants registered for the event.” To meet their goals, they need to register 12 more survivors and 59 more participants.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, more than 65,270 Illinois residents will be diagnosed with cancer this year and more than 25,540 will die from the disease.
“I am participating with my team, the Rehab Racers, to help raise money for the American Cancer Society so that one day, hopefully when my own children are grown cancer will no longer be the killer it is today,” says Lake Forest resident Ellen Humphrey, “We are praying for a cure and we are not alone.”
Anyone wishing to form a team, participate in survivor activities, or honor a loved one with a luminaria, should contact the American Cancer Society at 847-317-0025, or visit www.relayforlifelakeforest.com.