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Bourbonnais, IL – Relay For Life of Kankakee County kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday at The Grove in Bourbonnais, marking its 30th year of community-driven fundraising for cancer research and support programs.
According to the American Cancer Society, the annual event is expected to draw hundreds of local residents and volunteers who will walk in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those lost to the disease. The fundraiser runs through 10 p.m. and features team activities, a survivor ceremony, and a moving luminaria walk after sunset.
Presented by the Riverside Cancer Institute, this year’s Relay For Life aims to raise $200,000 toward the organization’s mission to end cancer as we know it—for everyone. Since 1985, Relay events nationwide have generated more than $6.8 billion for patient support, advocacy, and scientific research.
This year’s event also serves as a public enrollment site for the American Cancer Society’s VOICES of Black Women study, which launched in May 2024. The long-term research initiative seeks to understand the social and environmental factors that impact cancer risk among Black women. Eligible participants—Black women between ages 25 and 55 with no history of cancer—can sign up at the event and learn more from onsite representatives.
In 2025, over 2 million new cancer cases are projected to be diagnosed in the U.S., with more than 618,000 expected deaths, according to national estimates. Organizers hope Saturday’s event not only raises vital funds but also strengthens community engagement in prevention and early detection.
Onsite interviews and visuals will be available. For media coordination, contact Michelle Pruitt at (708) 533-3109 or James Haenes at (312) 286-3123.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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