Cook and Will Counties Bark For Life event takes a BITE out of cancer

The fight against cancer has gone to the dogs as the American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life event takes place this spring. Area pooches, with owners in tow, will take to the track to dig up a cure for cancer. Bark For Life adds a twist to the Society’s traditional Relay For Life event, serving as a fundraising activity to honor the care-giving qualities of canine companions while supporting the mission of the American Cancer Society.

This noncompetitive walk is planned for Saturday, May 11 at Union Creek Community Park (19900 South 80th Ave., Tinley Park) and will include an opening ceremony at 10 am, special laps around the track, doggie trivia, musical sit, raffles and much more. A dog is not required to attend this event.

“Many pet owners consider their dogs a part of their family, especially those furry friends who lend a great amount of comfort and support during a loved one’s cancer battle,” said Lynn Weiss, volunteer event chairperson with her dog, Ducky. “Bark For Life is the canine counterpart to Relay For Life, a very family friendly movement that celebrates our canine caregivers, just as we honor other family members who support their loved ones who are fighting cancer during Relay For Life.”

Event organizers are still recruiting dogs and their owners to take part in this year’s Bark For Life. To register, contact Carrie Robinette at (708) 633-7770 or visit relayforlife.org/barkcookwillil.

Funds raised through Bark For Life support the American Cancer Society’s comprehensive cancer-fighting mission to help people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early, to help people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis, to find cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery, and to fight back against cancer by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.

“This year the American Cancer Society celebrates 100 years of fighting to save lives from cancer,” said Carrie Robinette, event organizer. “It’s the progress we’ve made together – as a community, as volunteers, as survivors and as leaders – that has helped us reach this incredible milestone with tremendous success. We’ve never been more ready to complete our mission and put ourselves out of business. By lending your support to the Relay For Life of Cook/Will Counties, you’ll be helping the Society finish the fight and bring an end to cancer as we know it.”