Determined to strike a blow against cancer, about 200 runners and walkers made their way around the track at Lyons Township High School’s south campus in Western Springs over the weekend.
The participants in Relay for Life on Saturday were there to remember the loved ones they’ve lost to cancer and to raise money to fight the disease.
Clad in bright colors and carrying signs, the teams had to have at least one person from their group on the track at all times during the 12-hour event.
“We’re doing it as a tribute to my mother,” said Scott Madden of Chicago, who lost his mother, Nancy Hayes, a month ago. “I think it (the relay) is a great idea and there needs to be more emphasis (on fighting cancer).”
The event was organized by Kris Costopoulos, an assistant principal at the school who has survived cancer three times.
“I walk because I don’t want anyone else to go through this and I don’t want to lose anyone else to lose a loved one,” she said.
This is the 15th year that Costopoulos, who lives in Indian Head Park, has organized the event. Over the years, she estimated the relay has raised $1.3 million that has gone to the Amerian Cancer Society for such functions as advocacy, research and education. This year, she expected the relay to raise $45,000.
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“Our original goal was to raise $1 million in 10 years; we did it by year 11,” she said.
Gabriella Garcia of La Grange put together a team of 17 to take part in the relay.
“I didn’t like just sitting by and watching. I wanted to do something,” she said.
Costopoulos said she was touched by seeing how many people came out to walk.
“These are people who get it,” she said. “These are people who, instead of feeling powerless, are taking power into their own hands.”
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