Dorothy's Family rallies against cancer with 5K

Each weekend thousands of people take to the streets of our communities, walking and running to raise money for charities. Every one of them has found a cause to believe in, a bit of hope through helping. And every one of them has a reason for being there.

Today, Timothy Traver describes how the Dorothy's Family 5K has reunited family and friends to support children who are battling cancer just as bravely as his mother, Dorothy Traver, fought. The event steps off Sunday, Sept. 20, in Lisle.

When I walked through the doors of Central DuPage Hospital to see my mom, Dorothy Traver, on Oct. 2, 2003, I was not sure what to expect.

She had been diagnosed with uterine sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that had metastasized to her lungs, almost 16 months earlier. She had endured months of difficult chemotherapy treatments with the same grace she had conducted herself with throughout the years she and my dad had raised me and my older brothers, Dan and Dave.

However, it was clear when I entered her room that day she would not be returning to our Wheaton home with us.

Dozens of people came in and out of my Mom's room to say farewell. When she passed away early in the morning, she was surrounded by her family and friends. We all felt her loss immediately. She was the closest friend and confidant of many and the social linchpin of our family. Her kindness and compassion had kept many of our family and friends together throughout the years.

As the months and years passed by, we found the parties and gatherings we had become accustomed to had ceased.

Family and friends began to grow apart and we all missed Mom.

In early 2007, I met Sally Wiarda, a Wheaton native who gave me the inspiration to bring us back together.

Sally had started a group called 100 Women Who Care, which supports DuPage County-based groups in need. After speaking with her over coffee and hearing about the positive impact her group had on others, I immediately thought of doing something similar in my mom's memory.

In May that year, Dorothy's Family was born. Our mission was and is to unite family and friends in order to overcome cancer.

After reconnecting with family and friends, we chose to host a benefit race and donate the proceeds to help pediatric oncology patients at Central DuPage Hospital. My mom had received incredible treatment at CDH throughout her time there. She had constantly been supportive of others throughout their times of struggle during her life.

We all agreed she would be proud of us getting together to help children and families going through the same trying times she had coped with so bravely.

With the support of hundreds, Dorothy's Family is now in its third year of operation with annual benefits held in Chicago and Orlando, Fla. We have raised more than $30,000, which has funded patient support programs at CDH including: portable Wii game stations for pediatric patients, support groups and counseling sessions for children and their families, and the Beads of Courage Program, which allows patients to build their own jewelry as they successfully navigate their way through cancer treatments.

On Sunday, Sept. 20, my family and friends will gather once again in my mom's memory to support the pediatric patients at CDH. Our third annual 5K run/walk will be at Community Park near Route 53 and Short Street in Lisle.

We hope you are able to join us and we are grateful for your support.

If you go

What: Third annual Dorothy's Family 5K Run/Walk

When: 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20

Where: Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle

Details: Race begins at Lisle High School

Cost: $20, $100 for a family

Register: timothy.traver@gmail.com or dorothysfamily.org