When Colleen Connelly lost her hair from chemotherapy in 2016, the American Cancer Society gave her a wig and offered moral support.
So the next year when Connelly went into remission, she wanted to give back and started a Relay For Life team in the southwest suburbs.
“After I was diagnosed, I realized what a pivotal role American Cancer Society played in my journey,” said Connelly. “Although I did not utilize many of their services, I learned all that they did, even gave free rides to treatment, which I thought was truly remarkable.”
Other area residents will have a chance to give back during the next Relay For Life event June 20 at the Oak Lawn Pavilion, 9400 S. Oak Park Ave. But before the Relay, there are information sessions at 6:30 p.m. March 10 at the Oak Lawn Pavilion and April 14 at the Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Drive, Palos Hills. A third session is May 12 with a location to be determined.
Connelly and other participants also will spend the intervening months raising money for the American Cancer Society’s research and programs, collecting at intersections, in front of stores or holding fundraiser events. As team captain, Connelly and other members divide up the work, with some purchasing raffle prizes, purchasing shirts or doing public relations.
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On the day of the Relay For Life, there is a survivors’ luncheon, opening ceremony honoring survivors and “survivor lap.” There also are walking events for non-runners as well as games and entertainment throughout the day.
The theme for this year’s event will be “Heroes of Hope,” in honor of police and firefighters. Some studies have shown they have a high incidence of cancer and team organizers wanted to also show their appreciation for all these people do for the community, Connelly said.
“I love that all stages of the cancer journey are the primary focus: fighter, survivor and angels,” Connelly said about the event. “We light candles and each person is mentioned who had a battle with cancer … it touches the heart of everyone there.
“I am so fortunate to have the support system that I have and their love for relay is so very special to me,” Connelly said.
The event has also become a family affair for the Connellys, who want to extend that close-knit atmosphere to others. Colleen and her husband attend, as well as Cecilia Connelly, her mother-in-law.
“There’s a lot of camaraderie among the family and friends,” said Cecilia Connelly, who helped with the Relay when her son was involved with it in high school. “It’s more of a fest type of atmosphere, but at the same time people are taking turns walking the track and raising money.”
Both Colleen and Cecilia Connelly said they hoped more southwest suburbanites would join the fundraiser in June.
“There’s a lot of things people don’t realize going on to help cancer patients while they’re being treated,” said Cecilia Connelly.
More information is at relayforlife.org/centralcookil or with Karen Bruck, community development director, at 708-633-7771.
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.