Run for Pediatric Cancer Hosts Pre-Race Party Friday, May 16

It all started four years ago when some Downers Grove moms got together to compete in the Soldier Field 10 race.

“I just did a couple of races, I got 27 people to run in 2010,” team founder Christine Ferris said.

That first year the runners had so much fun that they decided to run for a cause the next year. Since then, the team has been joined by other runners from the local area, who began running for families affected by pediatric cancer. The team also gained a name, Run for Pediatric Cancer.

“I love to run with these moms, then the dads started to run. You never know when cancer is going to strike your family,” the Downers Grove woman said, who keeps in shape teaching third graders at Walker Elementary School in Clarendon Hills. “We’re worried about getting our child to school on time, they’re worried about getting their child to chemo.:

Last year, the Run for Pediatric Cancer team ran for Jacob Kowalik, a 10-year-old, Downers Grove boy who passed away last month from Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD), a complication that occurs when recipients reject organ or bone marrow transplants.

In the past the runners have selected families like the Kowaliks, who must take time off from work to be at the side of a sick child while trying to maintain normalcy for the rest of the family. This year, the team will be running in Jacob’s memory in the Solider Field 10 on May 24

More than 180 runners from Run for Pediatric Cancer will be raising money to fill Lurie Children’s Hospital's wish list for its Treasure Chest Foundation room, that provides comfort and distraction for children undergoing cancer treatment with donated toys.

“It takes a village to raise a child, especially a sick child,” Ferris said. “Whether it’s five iPads to keep siblings occupied in the waiting room or making a mortgage payment, whatever these families need to keep going.”

This Friday, May 16, Run for Pediatric Cancer is hosting their annual pre-race event at Lemon Tree Grocer in Downers Grove. In total, 15 area businesses have donated prizes, services, photography, food and drink to the event.

The evening includes a reunion of sorts with runners from past races, as well as supporters who watch and cheer from the sidelines.

“Everyone is welcome,” Ferris said.

At some point during the party, there will be a toast to Superhero Jacob Kowalik, who liked to be referred to as Spiderman to help psyche himself up to get through multiple surgeries and chemo treatments.

Doors open 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Lemon Tree Grocer, 35 W. Burlington Ave., Downers Grove. Pre-paid tickets are $40 or $50 at the door, which includes an evening of hors d'oeuvres, two drink tickets, music, a cash bar, raffles and more.

For more information about Run for Pediatric Cancer, volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, contact cmferris22@gmail.com.