Relay for Life of Des Plaines and Park Ridge Celebrates 10 Years

“If we can build a space station, why can't we find a cure for cancer?”

Betty Bongartz has asked this question many times over the years as more and more of her family members and friends have been affected by the disease. Bongartz, a twenty-two year breast cancer survivor is co-chairing the American Cancer Society's tenth annual Relay for Life of Des Plaines and Park Ridge on June 29 at Maine West High School in Des Plaines.

Relay For Life is an overnight relay-style event in which teams of walkers spend the night walking to raise funds in the fight against cancer. The funds raised go towards cancer research, maintaining a 24/7 cancer hotline and local support for cancer victims such as free, brand new wigs and rides to treatment. The goal this year is to raise $75,000.

“It doesn't matter if you are there for an hour or if you stay all night, you leave feeling energized and empowered because you know that you made a difference in someone's life,” Des Plaines resident and event Co-chair Verna Krueger said.

Relay is a family-friendly environment filled with food, entertainment and fun for the whole community. From the “Queen” of the Relay contest to the luminaria ceremony, the event has something for everyone.

“The success of the Relay for Life of Des Plaines and Park Ridge is due to the commitment of the residents of these communities to work to support those dealing with cancer, support those who have beat cancer and honor those who have lost their battle with cancer,” said event Co-chair Jeanne Schroeder of Des Plaines.

This year, the Relay will give back to the community by holding a food drive to benefit the Des Plaines Self Help Pantry. Relay attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods that can be placed in the designated red barrels or a Birthday Box; a shoe box containing cake mix, a can of frosting, candles and a birthday card.

Visit www.relayforlife.org/desplainesil or call 847-368-1166 to donate or to form a team. The Relay will take place Friday, June 29 will begin at 6 pm and conclude at 6 am on Saturday, June 30.