Burr Ridge School Backs American Cancer Society With Relay For Life

BURR RIDGE, IL – More than 300 students and educators at Pleasantdale Middle School in Burr Ridge will march through Walker Park in Burr Ridge on Thursday, June 5, in the school's 17th annual Relay for Life.

The benefit for American Cancer Society will be held from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. at Walker Park, 7425 S. Wolf Rd. in Burr Ridge, across Wolf Road from Pleasantdale. Organized by Jennifer Lauermann of Lisle, a former Aurora resident and school teacher, now a Pleasantdale fifth grade science teacher and cancer survivor, the march will include students, teachers and cancer survivors. Held annually on the final day of classes, the event has raised more than $100,000 since its inception in 2008.

Lauermann said, "We want to stop this disease in its tracks. We have spent the last few weeks fundraising for the American Cancer Society. On June 5, we’ll honor the lives lost to cancer, celebrate survivors, and support the caregivers who so selflessly help others."

"The money our team raises helps the American Cancer Society by helping fund innovative research, providing rides to treatment and places to stay for patients undergoing treatment far from home and offering free information to people dealing with the disease."

After gathering at 8:30 a.m. for a sendoff ceremony, attendees will walk or run a mile-long path at Walker Park. Some students participate to honor the memory of relatives and friends lost to cancer. Features will include refreshments and recorded music.

The event will culminate about 10 a.m. at a park shelter with presentation of a ceremonial check for funds raised.

The school's 2024 event raised $11,000, bringing the effort's 16-year total to $117,000.

For weeks, students have been raising money through lemonade stands, bake sales, garage sales, walking door to door in their neighborhoods and asking their family members for donations.

She invited people to donate in honor or memory of a loved one.

Lauermann lost her father, the late Robert Federighi, formerly of Dallas, Tex., to cancer. Jean Benson of Aurora, Lauermann's mother, a two-time cancer survivor, will be introduced at the event.

A Downers Grove native, Lauermann earned a bachelor's degree at Illinois State University and a master's degree from Aurora University.

She began her teaching career at Hermes Elementary School in East Aurora School Dist. 131 and was recently recognized for 25 years of service to Pleasantdale School District 107.