Using storms to fight cancer

While many of us look at the relentless snowstorms with disdain, Ira Kozak sees the piling flakes as an opportunity to fight cancer.

The Riverwoods man is turning the nasty weather into cash donations for the American Cancer Society. "I guess you can say I'm plowing for a cure," Kozak said.

Sitting behind the wheel of his Chevrolet Avalanche sport utility truck, a snowplow firmly mounted upfront, Kozak, 49, has been plowing driveways and parking lots for donations that he's passing on to the health organization. "I'm trying to raise money and awareness," Kozak said.

The unique fundraising idea was hatched about a week ago when Kozak was thinking of ways to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay-for-Life team that he and fiancee Shari Wexler are part of. They formed the team after Wexler's teenage daughter Abby was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in March.

"The team raised $9,000, which was great, but I wanted to do something more than just an annual event," Kozak said. "I thought the plowing was an interesting way to raise funds."

Abby, a junior at Deerfield High School, has undergone a series of chemotherapy treatments and has been declared cancer-free by her doctors. And it's that success story that has spurred Kozak on to raise more money.

"The American Cancer Society does a lot more than people realize," Kozak said. "They are a tremendous organization."

The Illinois division of the American Cancer Society has more than 120,000 volunteers, according to spokeswoman Susan Swartz. "We are dedicated to eliminating cancer by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service," Swartz said.

Kozak and Wexler are using e-mail to spread the word about the plowing to friends and co-workers.

Kozak purchased the plow a few years ago to clear the parking lot of the tool manufacturing company he owns in Chicago.

He doesn't approach people he knows that have already contracted with a plowing service. "I'm not trying to take business away from anyone," Kozak said. "These times are tough enough."

Kozak doesn't have any set fees for his volunteer service. "I just tell them to donate whatever they can afford," he said.

For people interested in having Kozak plow their lots, call the American Cancer Society's Lake County office at (847) 317-0025. You can also write Kozak him via e-mail at Ira@eazypower.com.