Community Support 'Makes a Huge Difference' to Relay For Life

Teams of walkers and runners will honor loved ones who have battled cancer and raise money for research to fight the disease this weekend during the Relay For Life of Oak Park-Berkley.

While many participants have been training and fundraising for months, community members still can get involved by coming out to show their support during the event, which kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday at David H. Shepherd Park in Oak Park and concludes with a closing ceremony at 9 a.m. Sunday.

"It makes a huge difference, just showing the support of the community by coming out and attending," American Cancer Society community representative Liz Sawielski said.

Each team will keep at least one walker or runner on the track during the 24-hour relay. Sawielski added that many of the teams will set up tents and hold mini-fundraisers to benefit the American Cancer Society, selling items such as food and crafts when they are not on the track.

Approximately $10,000 has been raised toward organizers' goal of $35,000, Sawielski said, with the Oak Park School District Champs single-handedly raising more than $6,000 in the past month.

student Max Rebori,  , has been raising funds on behalf of Team Cutler --  more than $3,000 so far.

Max, his mom Jennifer Rebori and their family and friends are participating in honor of his grandpa, who lost his battle to cancer almost two years ago.

“My dad, Phil Cutler, was on the Recreation Board for Oak Park for over 30 years and the mayor dedicates the relay in memory of him,” Jennifer Rebori told Berkley Patch in April.

If the good cause and festive atmomsphere aren't enough incentive to bring community members out to support Relay For Life of Oak Park-Berkley, Sawielski offers one more: "The weather's supposed to be nice this year, so we're really excited."

Click here if you'd like to make a donation to Relay For Life of Oak Park-Berkley.