Walk to raise oral cancer awareness June 10

The First Northern Illinois Oral Cancer Awareness Walk has exceeded its goal of 500 registered walkers, and more are expected to sign in at the event Sunday, June 10, at Lake Arlington, 2201 N. Windsor Drive, Arlington Heights. Currently just short of the fundraising goal of $40,000, registrations at the event are expected to put that goal over the top.

“We are absolutely amazed and overwhelmed by the fantastic response we have had,” Event Director Alison Stahl said, “We are so grateful for the support we have received in this first-time Illinois effort to educate and inform the public about oral cancer — the fastest increasing cancer today.”

The Walk begins at 8 a.m. Sunday morning and will conclude by 1 p.m. Registration is $25, children 6 and under are free; ages 7-10 pay $10. Free oral screenings by dental hygienists will be offered and there is a silent auction with a huge array of restaurant certificates, sports memorabilia and airline tickets.

Eric Statler, director of Strategic Partnerships for the Oral Cancer Foundation, and an oral cancer survivor, is the keynote speaker. Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder will welcome walkers and Dr. Bruce Brockstein, head of the Division of Oncology at Kellogg Cancer Center will give the closing remarks.

Proceeds from the Walk will be donated to the national Oral Cancer Foundation, an advocacy and education resource. For information about the foundation and the walk go to www.oralcancerfoundation.org/events.