Christmas Without Cancer Holds Second Annual 5K Fundraiser

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- Christmas Without Cancer, kicks off the season of giving with its second annual 5K Run/Walk this Saturday, Oct. 1. Proceeds from the race will go toward the grassroots non-profit organization’s mission to bring comfort to families facing cancer during the holiday season.

Runners and walkers step off at 9 a.m. with a kids’ 100-yard dash immediately following at 10 a..m. at Klein Park, 97th Street and Homan Avenue in Evergreen Park. Mt. Greenwood’s Anthony’s Avengers, who support 7-year-old Anthony Pappalas, who is undergoing treatment for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Anthony’s family was among dozens of local families that were delivered holiday cheer last year.

The 5K is a chip-timed race a flat course through some of Evergreen Park’s prettiest streets. Registration include a Dri Fit short and Christmas Without Cancer race medal.

Trophies will be awarded to the top men and women’s overall finishers. CWC Ornament awards will be handed out for top finishers in each age group. And, don’t forget to wear your favorite crazy Christmas outfit. A winner will be chosen.

“We weren’t sure what to expect last year but it was a great turnout and a ton of fun,” CWC founder Gerri Neylon said in a news release. “Everywhere we turn we have doors opening for us because we take care of families locally.”

CWC got another boost of support from Saint Xavier University’s Athletics Department. All 5K participants will be admitted free to the SXU v. Davenport University football game immediately following the race. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Participants will be admitted at the Shannon Center’s Pass Gate by showing their running bib number or CWC 5K T-shirt issued for the day’s race.

Participants are also invited to tailgate in the SXU parking lot west of the Shannon Center on SXU’s Chicago Campus at 3700 W. 103rd St.

“The Saint Xavier Athletics Department is thrilled to have the supporters of Christmas Without Cancer as our guests on a day when they raise money for those truly in need,” SXU athletic director Bob Hallberg said. “The families that benefit are local and likely intersect with the same family members who study on our campus.”

Online registration is closed, but procrastinators can still register on race day up to 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Only cash and checks will be accepted. Race day registration fees are $35 individual; $110 for a family of four; and $20 for kids age 15 and under. For more information about the race or to make a donation, visit Christmas Without Cancer.