2011 Relays for Life in Naperville

Editor’s note: This is the second in a five-part series: Cancer 2011 — Could you be the next of the one-in-three people to be diagnosed? As I contemplated writing this series, I wasn’t sure how many articles it would take to get my point across. After careful reflection, I decided not to set a limit on a beginning or end because there is no end in sight for the cancer epidemic. Yes sir, epidemic! At the all-nighter Relay For Life of South Naperville last summer, a gentleman about my age drove in the parking lot at Neuqua Valley High at about 3 am. He approached the front gate where I was logging my shift at the welcoming table.“Just what is going on here,” he asked. I explained it to him, and then he asked: “Why are you doing this at 3 in the morning?” Without thinking, I responded, “Because cancer never sleeps, sir.” There are only two conditions that will terminate this series: When a cure for cancer is found, leading to the eradication of this epidemic; or When I finally succumb to the disease. Please note, if condition two goes down, it will surely spoil my day. So here it is: The 2010 Relay For Life of South Naperville was a blast. Where else can about 700 people of all ages and walks of life go to have an outdoor all-night party, with live music and a DJ, all-night snacks, break curfew, get some exercise, and raise more than $100,000 — without getting arrested? Last year’s relay on the south side was in June at Neuqua, and the Relay For Life of North Naperville was in May at Naperville North. This year’s relays will be June 3 at Neuqua and June 11 at Naperville North. This is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event. Just this past year, the two Naperville Relays raised $327,000. Similar relays are at North Central College and Lisle. Bolingbrook and Plainfield offer one, too, as does Aurora and most of the high schools in DuPage County. Across the country, and in about 30 others, thousands of relays are raising millions of dollars to fight this epidemic of the baby boom generation and their loved ones, past and future generations alike. We’re raising money for cancer research, we’re reaching out to cancer patients and survivors alike with complimentary services ranging from personal transportation for their treatments, free wigs, prosthetic bras, supporting and coaching and encouraging their caregivers, and raising awareness in the Naperville, DuPage County community, in Springfield and Washington, D.C., with an aggressive program of public advocacy. In the articles to follow in this series, I’ll share how millions of survivors and caregivers are ‘celebrating more birthdays’ because of the tireless, committed efforts of millions of dedicated volunteers — many of them survivors and caregivers themselves. Jimmy Strong writes about work life, health care and leisure time in Naperville — three things an aging baby boomer can’t live without. Contact him at jrstrong63@msn.com.