Do you know anyone who’s faced a cancer diagnosis? There’s a fun event happening tomorrow where they can connect with others who’ve been there and are beating the disease. Hundreds of cancer survivors, their families, their friends and their strongest supporters will be meeting at Harper College in the morning for the 2nd annual Wellness Place Community Cancer Run/Walk.
The community cancer 3K Walk and 5K Run will be followed by a celebration of survivors and those touched by cancer. The event is organized by Wellness Place, an organization that provides cancer-related counseling, education and support programs FOR FREE to patients, their spouses, children, family and friends right here in Barrington.
To learn more about Wellness Place and tomorrow’s walk, I recently met with LeeAnn Atwood. She’s the Senior Director of Marketing & Development for Wellness Place and we sat down to get to know each other at Cook Street Coffee.
LeeAnn told me that, since the not-for-profit group was founded just over ten years ago, Wellness has helped countless patients and their families cope with what is often among the most devastating news of their lives. When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, LeeAnn wants to be sure you know that Wellness is a place where you can turn for information, advice, counseling and help from a strong network of supporters.
The Wellness Cancer Walk is one of their biggest events of the year, so this is an important weekend for the group and it’s a great way to meet the people in our area whose mission is to empower those facing a cancer diagnosis.
Here are some bits and pieces from my conversation with LeeAnn Atwood:
365: What was the impact of this run last year?
Wellness: The event netted just over $60k last year with money raised going directly to fund cancer support services and programs. It’s important to recognize that all our fundraising efforts benefit the entire community because all funds raised stay in this community. We are not an arm of a national organization so it is likely that your donation will impact a friend or neighbor that has been affected by cancer.
365: What are Wellness’ goals for the race this year?
Wellness: Our primary goal is to net $80k this year to go toward cancer support programs/services at Wellness Place. However, our over-arching goal is to spread the word and make sure that as many people as possible in and around our community know of our organization and the vital services we offer at no charge to help those facing a cancer diagnosis.
365: Is there anything special planned that makes this race different than others?
Wellness: This is a family fun event that both celebrates survivors and remembers those we have lost. The family element is important because our mission is not only to help the survivor but family members and caregivers as well. Cancer doesn’t affect just one person which is why it is so important that we develop programs and services to address the needs of all those impacted by cancer. Equally important is the celebrating and remembrance portion…we have a beautiful ceremony in which balloons carrying heartfelt well wishes and memories are released in time to meaningful music. It is very moving and cited by many who attend as their favorite part of the day!
365: What is the deadline to sign up?
Wellness: It’s never too late! On-line registration ends Friday at noon so if you miss that you can still register on-site at the event. To register online go to WellnessPlaceWalkRun.Kintera.org.
The cost to sign up is $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-16. There is no fee for kids age 5 and under. Registration for tomorrow’s walk starts at 8 a.m. The 5K Run starts at 9:30, followed by the 3K Walk at 10 a.m. You’ll find the Harper College Campus track at 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine. That’s at the intersection of Roselle and Algonquin Roads and it’s right across the street from the Wellness Place headquarters at 1619 West Colonial Parkway in Palatine’s Williamsburg Village.
If you’d like to learn more about Wellness Place, they have a great website loaded with information about cancer resources, support and counseling at WellnessPlace.org.
