Naperville woman plans for Making Strides 5K walk
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.Throughout the Chicago area on Sunday, Oct. 17, thousands of walkers will join breast cancer survivors, caregivers and supporters in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks. Now in its 11th year in Illinois, the Strides walks have raised nearly $10.5 million for awareness, treatment and research programs.Cindy Giles of Naperville successfully fought Stage 3 breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with at age 47. This weekend will be her fourth Making Strides 5K walk at the Chicago Premium Outlets, 1650 Premium Outlets Blvd., Aurora. Today, she shares her thoughts on the event and its efforts to unite the community to honor survivors, educate women about their cancer risk, and raise money to fund research and support programs.
Q. Who or what inspires you to participate?
A. My inspiration comes from the #8220;sisters who are not here, and I want to acknowledge their sacrifice. I also get personally inspired by other survivors. They remind me this is not an easy journey, but we make it through because we are strong and resilient.
Q. How has the illness affected you?
A. The biggest way is that nothing is the same ever again. I know that is so general, but really, everything shifts. Your values, your time and even relationships. You don't set out changing; it just happens. It's like that anonymous quote, #8220;Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. You are not a caterpillar anymore but a butterfly.
Q. What might surprise people about life with the illness?
A. Two thoughts come into mind:
1) I get a lot of crazy looks when I say cancer was a good thing that happened to me because I got off the hamster wheel and started to appreciate my life. You think you have all this time, but when it was in jeopardy, you make the time and effort for what is important to you.
2) Life as a survivor is an adjustment that takes time. Your old life is not the same. Friends and family think that when treatment is done, the worrying can stop about #8220;that cancer thing. But we are working on the emotional, spiritual and physical changes still going on.
Q. What have you learned about yourself because of the illness?
A. I think one of the most valued is the lesson to live right now. Don't put off and wait for tomorrow. Make the plans, but don't set them too far in the future. Today is all we ever have.
Q. What support have you received from the American Cancer Society?
A. When I was in treatment, I connected with its website for answers on some questions I had. Now as a volunteer, I see them as an amazing group of special individuals who are trying to educate as many people as possible about cancer and the risks. They are our health and wellness warriors out there in our community.
Q. Have you ever done this walk before? What was the experience like?
A. I have done this walk a few times and the experience is incredible to be part of so many women. As a survivor, to be with others who have shared this experience is amazing and inspiring. I will usually get hugs from complete strangers just because we are survivors. It's a great place to connect with your #8220;sisters.
Q. What would you tell someone who is interested in participating in the walk but might be the slightest bit hesitant? A. I would ask them, do you want to feel inspired? Do you want to be part of a group of energized women walking for a cause? This walk makes you feel good because you are making a difference in your life, your community and your world how inspiring is that?
If you go
<p>What: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer</p>
<p>When: Check-in begins at 7:30 or 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, and the walks start at 8:30 or 9 a.m. </p>
<p>Where: Seven locations throughout Chicago and the suburbs</p>
<p>Register: Advance registration recommended through makingstridesillinois.com</p>
<p>Info: (312) 279-7376</p>
</p>Locations:</p>
<p>Aurora: Chicago Premium Outlets, 1650 Premium Outlets Blvd.</p>
<p>Wheaton: Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road</p>
<p>Hoffman Estates: AT&T Campus, 2000 W. AT&T Center Drive</p>
<p>Libertyville: Independence Grove, 16400 Buckley Road</p>
<p>Orland Park: Centennial Park, 16500 West Ave.</p>
<p>Glencoe: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road</p>
<p>Chicago: Montrose Harbor, Montrose Avenue and Lake Shore Drive</p>