Senior center adults join Relay For Life

Naperville Senior Center participants may need some help themselves, but that doesn't stop them from helping others.

The center, designed for Naperville-area adults unable to safely stay home alone because of physical or cognitive challenges, is sponsoring its third annual mini Relay For Life.

The event started Wednesday, June 14, and will continue through Wednesday, June 21, on the center's indoor track. Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser cancer walk to benefit the American Cancer Society.

"Seniors and staff alike, as well as Shannon Webster, Ms. Wheelchair Illinois 2017, will be participating," said Pam Cooper, physical therapist and co-owner of Naperville Senior Center.

"We will be walking, 'walkering' and wheeling around our indoor track all week to raise money to fight cancer. For many seniors with mobility problems, a full Relay For Life can be a daunting task. The Naperville Senior Center mini-relay is less strenuous, but still allows our members to give back to the community."

Added Kiyoko Czech, American Cancer Society's Relay For Life community manager, "This is a great opportunity for our elderly loved ones to participate in community activities, as well as raise money for this very worthwhile cause."

Following the relay, a public luminaria ceremony will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at Naperville Senior Center, 1504 N. Naper Blvd., Suite 120, Naperville.

"We look forward to seeing the community come together for the … ceremony and invite those who are interested in making a donation to the cause," said relay team captain Theresa Capone, the center's director of fun.

Seventeen seniors walked and wheeled around the center's indoor track at last year's event, raising $4,590 in the fight against cancer, almost doubling the amount raised in 2015. Their efforts put them in fifth place for funds raised at the citywide Naperville Relay For Life.

For information, call (630) 857-3017 or visit napervilleseniorcenter.com.