Cancer survivors and caretakers made their honorary lap around the Elmwood Park High School cafeteria Friday evening after scorching heat drove the annual Relay for Life fundraiser indoors.
Temperatures reached the high 90s, according to the National Weather Service, when 22 teams from several communities gathered at the school to walk at the Relay for Life of Leyden and Norwood townships.
Noreen Ludin, co-coordinator of the event, made the call to move the event indoors, starting with a welcome center in the cafeteria that honored survivors and recognized caregivers.
“We honor our survivors and we also keep in mind that a caregiver is always a caregiver, even if the patient they supported is no longer with us,” Ludin said.
Debbie Tornabene, another coordinator, shared the story of her own battle with cancer. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Tornabene was first diagnosed at age 32 and has now been cancer free for 13 years.
“Many of my family members have been diagnosed with cancer and this is why I relay: for me, my family, and everyone else who has been diagnosed with cancer,” she said.
After opening remarks, survivors and caretakers were led around the cafeteria by Elmwood Park High School student Megan Schmidt, 15, who carried a U.S. flag to lead the way.
This was Schmidt’s second time volunteering at the relay, which she’s been involved with for many years alongside her mom and aunts.
Schmidt’s aunt, Eileen Lepore, a member of the event team, said that she and her eight siblings, her mother and many of her nieces and nephews participate each year.
But their involvement became more personal 2 1/2 years ago when Lepore’s grand niece, Stella, was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 2.
The toddler fought the disease with the support of her family’s Relay for Life team, Stella’s Superwalkers, and just celebrated her birthday and the one-year anniversary of her last cancer treatment.
“When you see someone go through cancer you just want to be able to do whatever you can,” said Lepore, “There are so many people from so many communities involved in this, and I hope more people can come out and get involved and see what this is like when everyone comes together.”
Heather Armstrong, a survivor of cervical cancer, and her husband, Garland, led the walk. The couple, who live in Des Plaines but used to live in Elmwood Park, have participated for 19 years.
“Even though it’s hot it’s one of my better days,” said Heather Armstrong. “We do this to encourage people with cancer and to advocate for people, because I know how hard it is.”
Throughout the evening, participants showed their support for those battling cancer by walking laps around the school.
“The idea is that one person from each team is walking at all times,” said Ludin.
More Top Picks Best Wireless Camera Flashes
Teams camped out in the gymnasium, where they set up booths selling different treats and services for donations. One team sold brownies and notecards, while another, Team Kiwanis, offered face painting for children.
Dale Torani, a member of the Geri Hatricks team, is a survivor of melanoma and has walked for about 6 years.
“I enjoy this and look forward to it every year,” said Torani. “There are so many people to talk to and everyone has a different story.”
Torani said his favorite part was the luminaria, where participants light candles for those who have battled cancer. Each year, Torani lights one for his father.
The goal for this year was to raise $40,000, said Ludin. The final fundraising number had not yet been tallied as of Monday morning.