Firefighters Team Up With Star Wars Characters to 'Fire Up A Cure'

Chicago, IL -- The Cure It Foundation’s fifth annual Fire Up A Cure event is set for Saturday, July 30, on the Chicago campus of Saint Xavier University.

Nearly 25 teams of firefighters from across Illinois will compete in a series of challenges, including a fire truck pull and hot wings eating contest sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, obstacle course, inflatable jousting, tug-of-work and more to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer clinical trials and to help children battling the disease. Pediatric cancer patients will serve as honorary coaches for each team.

• SXU's Fire Up A Cure: A Pediatric Cancer Patient's Story

This one-of-a-kind event is open to the public and scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Saint Xavier University’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. Tickets can be purchased at the door on July 30.Tickets can be purchased at the door; $10/adult, $5/children, $20/family. Children under 3 are free.

New this year is the addition of the 501st Legion Midwest Garrison, the Star Wars fan-operated worldwide costuming organization. The force will be with ALL kids at the event as they enjoy interacting with numerous Star Wars characters throughout the fun-filled day.

Fire Up A Cure will also proudly award up to two survivors of childhood cancer with the inaugural ‘Neil Spore First Responder Scholarship’, aiding young adults as they pursue a career as a first responder.

The afternoon features a DJ, Irish dancers, raffles, a reptile show, face painting, arts and crafts, inflatable slides and other attractions, fire pole to slide down, real fire trucks, split the pot and much more. Several food trucks, including Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe, Rainbow Cone and other vendors.

“This foundation is built around a team of people who care about the future of fighters and survivors of childhood cancer,” said Cure It Foundation founder Dr. Jason Canner. “I feel like the firefighters and people touched directly by pediatric cancer -- doctors, nurses and family members -- have really come together to bring an amazing event to Saint Xavier University. What makes this event special is that the kids will always be the core of the team.”

For more information, please contact Amy Kazmierowicz at 770-954-8401 or amy@cureitfoundation.org.

Supplied photo | SXU