Starry Night Walk Sunday supports kids battling brain tumors

A walk to defeat the deadliest form of childhood cancer returns Sunday, as nearly 1,000 people are expected to converge on Arlington International Racecourse to support children battling pediatric brain tumors.

The regional office of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, based in Park Ridge, mounts its sixth annual Starry Night Walk to Cure Childhood Brain Tumors.

Each year, the event has grown in attendance and in critical funds raised, says Bob McNamara of Park Ridge, regional director.

"We've built more of a local presence and relationships with families," McNamara said.

There are some 28,000 children across the country currently battling brain tumors, including more than 700 in the Chicago area in some form of treatment. Brain cancer, McNamara said, remains the deadliest form of childhood cancer, with 13 children diagnosed with a brain tumor every day.

This year, organizers already have 40 families from the suburban area signed up to attend, most with extended teams of supporters. Participants may complete a one-mile walk or 5K run, both inside the rails of Arlington Park's racetrack.

Returning this year are members of Team Noah from Geneva, who last year drew 100 walkers and raised $60,000. Also returning are Tim's T-Force, walking in memory of Tim Gruensfelder of Mount Prospect. Last year, 40 team members walked and raised $10,000.

"This event is built off the backs of family teams and their extended communities, rallying behind a specific child," McNamara said.

Money raised helps fund research to cure the more than 100 types of childhood brain tumors, as well as family support programs, emergency financial assistance, a resource notebook for the newly diagnosed, and college and vocational scholarships.

Last year, more than 900 participants combined to raise $160,000 - more than three times what the event made its first year.

On-site registration opens at 3:30 p.m., before the step-off at 5:30 p.m. on the historic track at Arlington Park. Participants not only have the inside track, so to speak, but they have the opportunity to see themselves cross the finish line on the park's giant jumbotron.

Plenty of interactive activities make up the day, including food and entertainment, a children's 50-yard dash and more games for children.

A highlight is the lantern ceremony, which takes place at 6:45 p.m. For a $100 donation, supporters receive a special T-shirt and may choose to light a blue lantern for child who lost their battle, a yellow lantern for a child currently battling the disease, or a white lantern for all those who support families in treatment.

"It's always a poignant and emotional ceremony," McNamara says, "as we hope for a world without childhood brain tumors."

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Starry Night Walk to Beat Childhood Brain Cancer

When: 3:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22

Where: Arlington International Racecourse, 2200 Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights

Details: team.curethekids.org/event/2019-chicago-starry-night-walk-to-cure-childhood-brain-tumors/e216667