Adella Cuellar and Alex Molina walk under the balloon arch at the Norridge Relay for Life on Friday, August 3, 2012 in Norridge. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media NORRIDGE — Relay for Life of Norridge/Harwood Heights is celebrating a milestone this year. “It’s our 15th anniversary,” said Theresa Raimondi ofNorridge, coordinator of event that raised money for cancer research. “And this year also is the American Cancer Society’s 100th anniversary.” The relay will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, on the grounds of the Norridge Park District, 4631 Overhill Ave. The event consists of teams walking the park district track continuously until 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. “We have a lot of the same people coming back, but we also have a lot of new people,” Raimondi said. Of the 150 or so people who have registered to participate, nearly 50 are survivors of cancer. While at least one member from each team is responsible to be on the track at all times, the event is more than just a 15-hour walk. “We have all kinds of entertainment,” Raimondi said. “There’s children’s activities, a DJ, raffle prizes.” And one team is made up of members who will be attending the Chicago Comic Con convention that celebrates all things pop culture, including graphic novels, comic books and movies. “They may come in costume, so you never can tell who will show up,” Raimondi said. The luminaria ceremony remembering those who currently are fighting cancer and those who have succumbed to the disease will be held shortly after dusk. Glowing bags personalized with names and messages will light the relay path. And in honor of the 15th anniversary, the group will be filming people as they explain why they participate in the relay. The results will be used in a commemorative video. “When I’m out talking to people, I encourage them to come out,” Raimondi said. “You don’t have to sign up. “You can just and watch, if you don’t want to participate.” Those who want to join may do so by visiting relayforlife/Norridgeil In addition to raising money, the relay also provides an opportunity for those dealing with cancer, and their families, to learn about the great support network available, Raimondi noted. “People find out they’re not alone,” she said. “But some people are just not ready to make that leap and join us. “Acceptance comes when acceptance comes. It’s not something you can rush. But you can come out and see.” The Norridge/Harwood Heights relay also collects donations for the Salvation Army Norridge Citadel’s food pantry. “Our event is a little different in that we use cans of food as stands for the luminaria bags,” Raimondi said. “Then after the event, someone from the Salvation Army comes to pick up the donations. “The food stays in the neighborhood.” Pamela Church-Pryor, community ministries director for the local Salvation Army citadel, welcomes the donations. “This is just wonderful,” she said. “This time of year, the pantry shelves are a little more sparse, so donations are greatly appreciated. “We really value our partnership with Relay for Life,” she continued, “And we support their cause.” The Relay team also is accepting donations of wigs, if placed in clear plastic bags, for the American Cancer Society’s wig bank. The wig bank provides free wigs to those losing their own hair due to cancer treatments.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 18:28:44 +0000
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