Raising awareness for sepsis just became easier through the 2nd annual Illinois Sepsis Challenge.
The challenge, presented by Presence Healthcare in coordination with the National Sepsis Alliance, consists of a 5k fun run and walk and will be taking place Aug. 9 at Centennial Park, 15600 West Ave., Orland Park.
Sepsis is a whole-body inflammatory response to an infection. Common signs and symptoms include fever, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate and confusion. It is the potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. Sepsis occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. This inflammation can trigger a cascade of changes that can damage multiple organ systems, causing them to fail, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website.
Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the 5k begins at 9am. Registration is $45. Runners and walkers can participate as an individual or create a fundraising team to raise awareness and funds together. All participants will receive an event T-shirt with registration.
There were 150 participants last year who raised about $27,500. Proceeds benefit the not-for-profit Sepsis Alliance.
Registration for the Illinois Sepsis Challenge 5k Fun Run and Walk can be done at www.illinois.sepsischallenge.org.
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Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.