Lake Zurich Family Praises Non-Profit's Support Of Son With Cancer

LAKE ZURICH, IL - A Lake Zurich family is grateful for the work of a Chicago-based non-profit and is urging those in town to attend a Halloween Fun Run that will raise money for it.

Sue Mock says Camp One Step by Children's Oncology Services was instrumental in helping her son, Ricky after he was diagnosed with cancer at age 4. Next weekend, the non-profit will receive the proceeds from the 2017 Costume & Candy Halloween Fun Run at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich.

The run is planned for Sunday, Oct. 29. A kids dash will begin at 9:15 a.m., with a Family 5K to follow at 9:45 a.m.

"It's a great opportunity for the community to come together and help a great organization," Mock said.

Camp One Step is "a leader in providing empowering, supportive, educational and fun experiences for children (5-19) who have been diagnosed with cancer," according to its website.

The ways they helped Ricky, a five-year cancer survivor and a thriving student at Seth Payne Elementary, are countless, Mock said.

"He really started to feel more normal," she said of her son after he started with the program. "The amazing group of people helped tremendously with his self esteem."

Mock added that while her family has dealt with a number of terrific organizations after Ricky's diagnosis, Camp One Step is "one of our favorites."

The cost of the run is $30 for adults and $10 for children. Tons of candy will be given away.

Photo: Ricky Mock and his family. Courtesy of Camp One Step