Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Local Siblings with Rare Genetic Illness

Siblings Noah and Laine VanHoutan of Downers Grove and their family have spent six years fundraising for research of the rare, terminal genetic illness that the brother and sister are courageously fighting.

The Running for Hometown Heroes team will join their battle against LINCL-Batten disease by running for the VanHoutan family and for Noah’s Hope at the Soldier Field 10 on May 23.

The team chooses a different cause every year. The Downers Grove community is invited to help the team meet its $5,000 goal at the 5th Annual Running for Hometown Heroes fundraiser, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. May 8 at Lemon Tree Grocer.

Admission to the pre-race event is $40 in advance and $50 at the door, and it includes hors d’oeuvres, music and two drink tickets. Drink specials and a cash bar will be available, and 10 percent of drink sales will be donated to Noah’s Hope.

Noah’s Hope was created to support research, raise funds and inform the community for the benefit of Noah, Laine and other children with the Batten disease

Art supplies will be collected at the event for the Treasure Chest Foundation, in memory of hometown hero Jacob Kowalik.

Tickets can be bought online, and donations are also accepted via Paypal.

For more information, or to run, volunteer or sponsor, contact Christine Ferris at cmferris22@gmail.com or soldierfield10@gmail.com

ALSO ON PATCH