The 8th Annual Lung Cancer Walk and Rally will take place on Saturday, Nov. 6, starting at the Riverwalk Park Grand Pavilion, 500 W. Jackson, Naperville. Check begins at 9 a.m., opening remarks take place at 10 a.m., and the walk steps off at 10:15 a.m.
People will walk the first minute in silence to honor those currently with lung cancer and in memory of those who died of the disease. In addition, there will be an area designated for people to pay tribute with a note and/or a photo of their loved one who has fought or is fighting lung cancer.
In addition, there will be a silent auction and a raffle - tickets $1 each or six for $5. For children, face painting will be available for $1 donations, and Wheaton's My Gym will provide a fun obstacle course.
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The walk benefits LUNGevity, based in Chicago. The 501c3 organization's vision is to unite the country in one movement to end lung cancer now.In June of 2010, LUNGevity and Protect Your Lungs joined forces to become one of the largest private funders of lung cancer research and the largest national lung cancer grassroots organization dedicated to ending lung cancer now. The merger represents a milestone in the fight against lung cancer. Both organizations chose to adopt the LUNGevity name.
The Naperville walk was founded by Renee Kosiarek of Naperville. After her father died of lung cancer eight years ago, she set out with great passion to raise money and awareness of the deadly disease and, like "The Little Engine that Could," the walk has gained momentum from the humble grassroots event of a hundred or so people.
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"Lung cancer is the deadliest of all cancers, and yet it remains the least funded," said Michele Bowles of Elmhurst, chairman of the event. "This walk, which raised $65,000 last year, is one of many events across the country hoping to change that. Because of walks like ours, hope endures, and a cure for lung cancer can be found."
Walkers can choose to walk 3/4 mile or 1 1/2 miles. The walk is free, but registration is required. A suggested donation is $20 per person, although donations of any denomination are accepted with gratitude. Also, people can collect pledges. Walkers who pre-register and donate $20 or more before Wednesday, Oct. 20, are guaranteed t-shirt.
For more information, visit: http://www.walkforlungcancer.org.
