‘Jeanne’s Journey for Hope’ in 8th year of supporting families

Nearly seven years ago, three siblings from Orland Park lost their mother to colon cancer. Even before Jeanne Kurinec’s death, her lifelong passion for serving others was honored by a fundraiser in her name.

Ever since, Greg, Michelle and Jeff Kurinec have continued to channel their grief into providing hope and financial support for other families traveling a similar path.

This year’s eighth annual “Jeanne’s Journey for Hope” event is still four months away, but first the Kurinecs need to identify the next beneficiary of their charitable not-for-profit.

“We are looking for someone who is battling cancer and is facing the additional burden of financial challenge as a result of their medical situation,” said Greg Kurinec.

Preference is given to applicants who live in or near the south side of Chicago and the southern Chicago suburbs, although prior families have hailed from throughout the region. 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 Kurinecs encourage anyone with questions to contact them through an application form available at www.jeannesjourneyforhope.org. The application deadline is Friday, July 12th.

So far, JJFH has raised nearly $100,000 to support the American Cancer Society and to help six families pay hospital and medical bills or as income replacement if the disease has resulted in a loss of employment. The past two years, the fundraiser has netted nearly $50,000.

Last year’s recipient was the Ostrowski family of Oak Forest; fittingly, Jeanne Ostrowski, the mother of four, was the focus of the effort and embodied Jeanne Kurinec’s generous, giving spirit.

A variety of businesses and individuals have become sponsors of the event, and anyone interested in exploring how they may become a sponsor is encouraged to contact the family at JeannesJourney4Hope@gmail.com.

“We receive so much more than we ever give through it all,” said Michelle Kurinec. “Over the years, we have built friendships with people we would otherwise never have known. It’s just been a matter of following our mom’s example to care for those around us.”

The culmination of this year’s effort occurs Saturday, September 21st, with 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.