Park Ridge Lions Club "Micro"-Marathon

PARK RIDGE, IL – [July 19, 2025] – Despite rain and the rumble of distant thunder, the Park Ridge Lions Club's “micro”-marathon became the backdrop for a story of perseverance and accomplishment. At this event, Gail Slamar, a northwest suburban resident recovering from a stroke, completed the community fund-raising walk as her first outdoor venture without using a wheelchair

Just one year prior, Gail faced significant challenges that required her to use a wheelchair to get around. Initially, the act of walking unaided was a distant goal. After months of rehabilitation, doctors recently cleared her to begin walking. Serendipity intervened; when Gail found the Facebook posting for the Park Ridge Lions Club event, she thought it would be great to tell everyone that her first walk was at a “marathon”.

Promoted as a .262-mile event, the Lions purposely mimic the trappings of a regular, 26.2 mile race, with shirts, runner numbers, race decals, snacks and hydration. For most, this distance is a short stroll, but for Gail, it represented a significant test. Despite initial reservations from daughter Kristin, the Lions Club's message of inclusion and encouragement resonated deeply.

On race day, the weather took a turn for the worse. However, Gail, joined by Kristin, refused to be deterred. Stepping onto the course, she faced not only the physical constraints of a first walk but also the elements. Each step took her closer to her goal of completing a hike around the block.

Crowded with marathon participants and folks leaving the close-by Farmer’s Market made things even more challenging. Sensing a need for assistance, Lions members Jim Lange and Marty Maloney helped to clear the way and get Gail to the finish line.

“Gail’s story is a testament to the human spirit,” said Marty Maloney, Mayor of Park Ridge. “The Park Ridge Lions Club created this community walk to be inclusive, and Gail's participation perfectly embodied that spirit. It was an honor to walk alongside her.”

Each year, the Park Ridge Lions raises funds for important causes in and around the Park Ridge community. This year’s event raised more than $3,500 for Wings, a local organization providing housing, counseling and mentoring for individuals leaving circumstances of domestic violence.

In 1947, the Park Ridge Lions Club started as a local civic organization with a mission to serve those with hearing and vision impairments. Today, in addition to Wings, the Lions Club supports many disability, educational, disaster response and other important issues. The Lions also provides annual support for vision and hearing screenings, eyeglass and hearing aid collections and free or low cost eye/ear exams for people in need.

For more information, view the Park Ridge Lions website at www.parkridgelions.org or email us at: ParkRidgeLions@gmail.com.