Fred Steiner of Waukegan gives thumbs-up Sunday while crossing the finish line of the Cancer Wellness Center Stepping Up to Wellness Run/Walk at Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville. The event raised more than $230,000 to help people facing cancer and their families.
Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Nearly 700 walkers woke up early Sunday and took to the trails of Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville on Sunday for the Cancer Wellness Center Stepping Up to Wellness Run/Walk.
And most had a compelling story to tell about their reasons for being there.
That included a group walking in honor of Ann Ryan, a Mundelein resident and mother who died from cancer in December 2018. A green flag at the group's table read "Anna Banana" in her memory.
"It makes me cry right now," Ann's husband, Tim Ryan of Mundelein, said of the showing.
The event, which included a 5K run/walk and 1-mile family walk, raised more than $230,000 to help people facing cancer and their loved ones.
"We help reduce the emotional and physical challenges that cancer patients and their families face," said Doris Downing, director of development for the Cancer Wellness Center of Northbrook.
Emma Hatch of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood was among the top 5K finishers.
"(It feels) pretty good," she said of her finish. "I haven't raced in a while."
Tracy Kazan of Northbrook, second from right in orange shirt, poses with other cancer survivors Sunday at the Cancer Wellness Center Stepping Up to Wellness Run/Walk, hosted by Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville.
Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
The Cancer Wellness Center Stepping Up to Wellness Run/Walk gets underway Sunday morning at Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville. The event raised more than $230,000 to help people facing cancer and their families.
Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Runners and walkers take to the trails Sunday morning for the Cancer Wellness Center Stepping Up to Wellness Run/Walk at Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville. The event raised more than $230,000 to help people facing cancer and their families.
Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Sylvia MacFarlane of Gurnee, escorted via wheeled mobility transportation, took part Sunday in the Cancer Wellness Center Stepping Up to Wellness Run/Walk at Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville. The event raised more than $230,000 to help people facing cancer and their families.
Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald