Gia Rapacki couldn’t attend the recent Turkey Trot event in Lemont.
But those who did show up understood.
The Turkey Trot, which took place Nov. 23 at Treadfit Lemont, drew more than 100 friends, family members and strangers who raised $3,200 to help offset costs for the Rapacki family as 4-year-old Gia is in the early stages of a multi-year journey to try to beat cancer.
She was diagnosed with leukemia in late July and has already gone through chemotherapy rounds.
Her parents, Brian and Lauren, have been through a rough time the past four months and the Turkey Trot, which consisted of people walking or running on treadmills that morning, provided a spark of happiness.
“It was pretty breathtaking to see everyone come together,” Lauren said. “The first session started at 7 a.m. and my husband helped set up and he said he couldn’t believe how many people were coming in.
“It was a huge turnout. We didn’t know what to expect and we were blown away by the community coming together for Gia.”
This is Treadfit’s first Turkey Trot and it featured six sessions.
Participants had 35 minutes to walk two miles or run 3.1 miles on a treadmill. Lauren is a member, and participated with friends and family members including some who traveled from St. Louis to get in their steps on the machines.
Also, Elevate Aesthetics offered participants vitamin b12 shots, with proceeds being donated to the Rapacki family.
“Since opening in 2023, we have loved being a part of the Lemont community, and when we heard about what Gia and the Rapacki family were going through, we knew our clients would want to help,” said Nora Sheahan, co-owner of Treadfit Lemont in a news release.
“We were overwhelmed by the support of the Lemont community for the Rapacki family. Gia and the Rapacki family have an entire city behind them as they fight this battle,” added Lauren Doig, co-owner of Treadfit Lemont said in the release.
Because the family did not want Gia to be exposed to germs, she was not there for the Turkey Trot, but a sign thanking all of the runners that she helped make was on display.
“I don’t know if she fully understands it, but she knew a lot of people were running,” Lauren Rapacki said. “She sent a thank you video to the Treadfit instructors for donating their time and she made the sign for everybody. We had her sign displayed at the Turkey Trot. We wanted to make sure that a part of her was there.”
Gia, who turns 5 on Jan. 7, had an active life in which she participated in gymnastics, swimming and cheerleading. But during the course of the summer things changed.
“She wasn’t herself,” Lauren said of Gia. “She was tired all of the time. At gymnastics or swimming or playing with friends … she wasn’t interested in it. She was very pale.”
After visits to doctors, some bloodwork and other tests, Gia was diagnosed with leukemia on July 31 and she stayed at Advocate Christ Medical Center for a month, where she received the first of her chemotherapy treatments.
For a 4-year-old patient, it might be hard to understand all that’s been happening, but Lauren said Gia is adapting.
“She knows she has cancer, and she knows that it’s called leukemia,” Lauren said. “She knows about the chemo. And she knows she can’t go to school now until her cancer is better.
“She understands in a way a 4-year-old can understand.”
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Brian and Lauren’s employers have been understanding in this ordeal.
Brian works for TIAA-CREF Individual and Institutional Services and Lauren works for the corporate offices of Ulta Beauty. Both took leaves of absence and are back to work, mostly from home.
For the Rapacki family, this was a flashback to 2020, when Gia was born two months before COVID-19 caused worldwide shutdowns.
“COVID really helped us with the work-at-home situation,” Lauren said. “Our employers tell us to focus on our family and they are very understanding.
“This is like the COVID year. She was isolated, sheltered and we were very careful with her. When friends come over, they have to say ‘hi’ through the door.”
Gia and her 2-year-old brother, Vince, do not get out much. They play in the yard or walk to parks. Even in this recent bitter cold weather, they bundle up for some outside time.
“They burn off some energy,” Lauren said. “We know there will be good days and bad days. We just want to make as many good days as we can for them.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.