Community Corner
Relay for Life Comes Out Strong on Support
The money raised at this Relay for Life event goes to research and assisting those battling the disease.
The Friday night opening ceremony at Relay for Life Frankfort-Mokena started out like any other large-scale community event. The national anthem was sung and the crowd settled in. Only this time, it wasn't a baseball game, high school graduation or awards ceremony.
The 12-hour-long Relay for Life at Lincoln-Way East High School was an overall celebration of life. Cancer survivors took the first lap around the football field at Lincoln-Way East High School.
READ: Relay for Life Event Kicks-Off at Lincoln-Way East
Mary Van Pelt, herself a cancer survivor, today serves as event chair. She told the crowd--many of whom donned identical T-shirts to designate the individual with cancer that they were supporting--that they were special. They came together to fight a disease that robs the lives of too many each year.
"Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, here as a team captain or team member" cancer patients "need you," she said.
The sheer act of walking the track demonstrates support. "The next 12 hours will take us together on a life-affirming journey, symbolizing a day in the lie of someone fighting cancer--a disease that never sleeps."
The teams in Frankfort-Mokena
There are 38 teams and 376 participants in Frankfort-Mokena. They've raised $87,096 so far, she boasted.
The teams in New Lenox
There are 29 teams and 191 participants. They've raised $45, 105 so far.
The Relay for Life event in New Lenox is planned for July 12 at Lincoln-Way West High School, 21701 Gougar Road.
For information about local Relay for Life activities; visit the website for Frankfort Mokena and New Lenox.
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