Community Corner

Relay for Life Efforts Underway in Lemont, Homer Glen

The annual American Cancer Society fundraiser will be held July 8-9 at the Lemont High School Sports Complex.

The Relay for Life of Lemont and Homer Glen may still be five months away, but volunteers are already hard at work planning kick-off events, fundraising efforts and entertainment for the big day.

During the annual event, which is the signature fundraiser of the American Cancer Society, participants walk for up to 24 hours to raise awareness and funding for cancer research. According to volunteers, Lemont has participated in the fundraiser for the past seven years.

Robyn Healy, an event coordinator for the American Society, works with Relay for Life committees in several Chicago-area suburbs to make sure planning stays on track. She is already holding meetings with volunteers for the Lemont/Homer Glen event, which will be held Friday, July 8, through Saturday, July 9, at the Lemont High School Sports Complex, 12900 131st St.

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"The big thing right now is just spreading awareness of Relay for Life," Healy said. "We want people in the community to know who we are, what we do and why we do it."

According to RelayforLife.org, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities across the United States take part in Relay for Life each year. During the event, teams of people camp out at a large community venue and take turns walking around a track or path.

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The only requirement to participate in Relay for Life is a $10 registration fee. Though there is not a required amount of money to raise to take part in the event, the American Cancer Society recommends that each individual set a personal goal to raise at least $100.

Since 2005, the Relay for Life of Lemont and Homer Glen has raised more than $390,000 for cancer research and treatment. As of Sunday, the Lemont/Homer Glen event had 10 registered teams, 29 participants and $625 raised.

"Registration typically heats up closer to the event, so right now we're focused on getting the word out and encouraging the community to get involved," Healy said.

Currently, the committee is devoting much of their time to planning the kickoff party, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, at Illinois Bar and Grill. On Feb. 28, volunteers will begin their first week-long "Paint the Town Purple" campaign, in which they decorate schools, businesses and landmarks in Relay for Life's signature color.

"One of the things the American Cancer Society likes to see is Relay for Life becoming a real community event," said Roxy Summers, event chair for Lemont/Homer Glen. "Many of the businesses in Lemont have been very supportive in the past, but we want to increase that this year."

In an effort to increase community awareness, the group has taken to social media for weekly updates and information blasts. The Lemont/Homer Glen chapter can be found on both Twitter and Facebook, as well as their official website, www.relayforlifelemont.com, and blog.They also have a YouTube account where they post 60-second updates.

"We're putting ourselves out there this year, so we hope that more people will be encouraged to register or volunteer for Relay," Summers said.

Jill Myers, a Lemont resident who has volunteered with Relay for Life for the past several years, said she hopes the group can educate the community on the far-reaching impact of cancer and the importance of funding research and treatment.

"My daughter started participating in Relay for Life a few years ago with the Lemont Juniorettes, and I was just blown away," Myers said. "Then my twin sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I felt compelled to help in any way I could."

Though her sister was able to successfully treat the disease, Myers continues to participate in Relay for Life to honor her battle and support other families affected by cancer.

"I think people don't realize how much the American Cancer Society does in terms of providing services to families and performing important research," she said. "They were so wonderful in helping me understand the disease and how I could help through Relay for Life.

"Cancer doesn't discriminate against age, race or sex. Almost everyone knows someone who is fighting the disease, and Relay allows us all to come together to support each other and fight for a cure."

The planning committee for the Relay for Life of Lemont and Homer Glen will next meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at , 1131 State Street.

Five Ways to Get Involved in Relay for Life

1. Form a Team

Anyone interested in forming a team should visit www.relayforlifelemont.com.

2. Purchase a Luminaria Bag

Luminaria is a special ceremony during Relay for Life that honors those who are battling cancer or have lost their lives to the disease. For just $10, individuals can purchase a luminaria bag in honor of their loved one. The luminaria are lit during the ceremony and placed around the track.

3. Participate in the Survivors' Celebration and Victory Lap

If you or someone you know have been affected by cancer, you are invited to participate in a special celebration. The first lap of Relay for Life is reserved for cancer survivors, while the second is reserved for survivors and caregivers.

4. Become a Volunteer

Relay for Life is always seeking new volunteers to help with planning and logistics.

5. Become a Sponsor

Relay for Life of Lemont and Homer Glen is currently seeking corporate sponsors to support the event.


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