Community Corner
PHOTO GALLERY: For Julie Foundation Reaches $1 Million After Ninth Annual Fundraiser
The Doody family has turned tragedy into a lasting legacy.
With the schools where Julie Doody attended in the background, friends and family honored her once again.
Orland Park resident Julie Doody was only 13-years-old when her life was tragically cut short. She died after a three month battle with acute myelogenous leukemia, or AML. Her family then established the For Julie Foundation in her honor to raise support and .
The grounds outside the Civic Center in Orland Park were packed with supporters of the For Julie Foundation Friday night. Cancer survivors who have benefited from, and supported, the foundation were on hand to be a part of the cause.
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Noelle Lemrise of Oglesby, IL was only five-years-old in July 2006 when she was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL. After three-and-a-half years of Chemotherapy, she is doing well and grateful for the support she has received from the For Julie Foundation.
Al Kondraschow and his wife Terri of Darien, Illinois were also there to show their support for the foundation. Al recently received a stem cell transplantation procedure and is battling ALL.
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After a short presentation by Julie's sister, Kelly, balloons were released into the sky above the grounds. The colorful spheres dotted the blue sky as supporters listened to Elton John's "Tiny Dancer," one of Julie's favorite songs.
Scott Saxe, Board President at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, walked with his wife, Melissa. Saxe said that the "Doody's have managed to turn tragedy into something that will leave a lasting legacy."The evening's events continued inside the Civic Center with food, music and raffles.
Mary Doody was pleased with the turnout for the fundraiser and proudly announced that they have reached $1 million in funds raised through the foundation. This will allow money to be put towards cancer research and given to families who are battling the disease.
If you were unable to attend the fundraiser but would like to make a donation, visit the For Julie Foundation website.
