Schaumburg walk raises funds, awareness for brain tumor research

Sensitized to brain tumors five years ago by the surprise discovery that her then 16-year-old son had one, Mary Prochotsky and her family are promoting a walk this coming weekend at the Schaumburg Boomers Baseball Stadium to raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research.

Prochotsky said in an email that last year’s Libertyville Walk To End Brain Tumors raised more than $30,000 to support research and assist individuals with brain tumors.

This year, she is working with a different group, the Illinois-based Michael Matters Foundation, to organize the walk Sunday, May 5, at the stadium, 1999 Springinsguth Road.

Registration will begin at 11 a.m. and the walk will start at noon. The event will include live entertainment, raffle, keynote speaker, kid’s zone and other activities. Stadium concession stands will be open.

People can get more information or preregister as an individual or a team, or make a donation at michaelmatters.org.

Prochotsky’s son Josh’s tumor was found thanks to alert physical trainers at WCS Sports Performance in Buffalo Grove, who noticed a twitch in the Libertyville High School sophomore’s foot. Josh Prochotsky’s tumor was successfully treated and his family has been trying to help others ever since.