Evergreen Park Woman To Be Christmas Without Cancer 5K Honoree

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — An Orland Park cancer survivor, who endured grueling treatment and financial hardship, will be one of the honorees at the seventh annual Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run/Walk on Sept. 18 at Circle Park, 9719 S. Homan Ave., Evergreen Park. Nicole Houlihan is now giving back to other families and patients.

Houlihan, 29, was diagnosed in 2019 with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, which is commonly found in pediatric cases. Houlihan was an oncology nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and was diagnosed shortly after getting married. She endured more than a year of treatment, which included surgery, chemotherapy, radiation. Houlihan was unable to work for long periods of time during her treatment. During that time, Christmas Without Cancer helped financially, and provided gift cards for medications. She recently joined the Christmas Without Cancer Board of Directors in an effort to give back to people and families.

The Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run/Walk is the most important and largest fundraiser of the year for the organization. The event was virtual for the first time in its history in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2019 event was the largest in the organization’s history, with nearly 800 people participating.

Registration is now open through Sept. 13 by visiting Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run/Walk. Individual registration is $30. Family registration, which includes a minimum of four family members and a maximum of six, is available for $120. Day-of registration will also be available for individuals for $35, and for families for $130. Day of race/on-site registration will be open from 7 to 8:30 am (Please note: Day of race registration T-shirts will be first come, first served basis. Supplies and sizes will be limited.)

Registered participants will receive a t-shirt, medal, with an option for chip timing available for those who choose to run the course. Runners and walkers must register BEFORE Aug. 31 to guarantee a race T-shirt.

Since 2003, Christmas Without Cancer has aided thousands of people across the Chicago area by providing holiday gifts, as well as basic necessities to local families that are stricken with cancer. Founded in 2003 by oncology nurse Gerri Neylon, the organization quietly identifies and adopts multiple families throughout the year and supplies them with gift cards for groceries, medications, gas, and other “need” items, as well as help with mortgage payments, rent, tuition and travel related expenses for treatment.

The other honorees are Don Grenda, of Alsip, and Ryan Colby, of Orland Park.

For sponsorship opportunities, please email christmaswithoutcancer@gmail.com.

For more information on the Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run/Walk, please visit www.christmaswithoutcancer.org.