Community Corner
‘Jeanne’s Journey for Hope’ in 7th Year of Supporting Families
Dates of note: a July 6th deadline for families fighting cancer who need funding help, a Sept. 15th fundraiser
Do you know someone who is battling cancer—and is encountering financial challenges on top of it?
Then you should get acquainted with Jeanne’s Journey for Hope, a charitable organization formed by three siblings who lost their mother to cancer. In its seventh year, the group invites applicants to fill out a form located at www.jeannesjourneyforhope.org.
The application deadline is July 6th.
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The Kurinec siblings founded Jeanne’s Journey for Hope in 2012, several months before their mother, Jeanne, died of colon cancer. They are Orland Park natives: Greg and Michelle are graduates of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, and Jeff is a graduate of Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park.
The organization is their way of honoring their mother’s lifelong passion for serving others. So far, the foundation has raised more than $75,000 to support the American Cancer Society and help five families pay hospital and medical bills or as income replacement if the disease has resulted in a loss of employment.
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Last year, the group raised $26,000 for the family of Beau Dowling, a 2-year-old with a rare form of cancer, Stage 3 Neuroblastoma, which affects the nerve cells.
This year, the Kurinecs are aiming to raise at least $15,000 for a family in need as they face their own cancer battle. Preference is given to applicants who live in or near the south side of Chicago and the southern Chicago suburbs.
“One of the most rewarding aspects is keeping in touch with families we have connected with over the years,” said Greg Kurinec. “They become part of our extended family, and they come alongside other families that we have been honored to help.”
The culmination of this year’s effort occurs Saturday, September 15th, when Jeanne’s Journey for Hope holds a fundraiser from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Square Celt Ale House & Grill, 39 Orland Square Drive in Orland Park.
Online, to learn more and to complete the application, visit www.jeannesjourneyforhope.com. For updates, photos of past events and other information, visit www.facebook.com/JeannesJourneyForHope.
Anyone with questions can email JeannesJourney4Hope@gmail.com.
