ML Interest Tag: prostate-cancer

You’re Off! Walks & Runs Perfect for Chicago Families

by Maria Chambers

On your mark. Get set. Go! Race season has begun and sprinting to the finish line is not just for grown-ups. You’ll find a host of fun runs and charity walks in Chicago for families looking to exercise together. We laced up our sneaks and set out to find the best, here’s a rundown of our favorite ways to close your Apple Watch fitness rings in 2022.

ONGOING

‘Go Runs
Park Districts and Chicago Area Runners Association have paired up to provide weekly timed runs. Make the runs a weekly event to explore new areas of Chicago while staying fit with your family. Strollers are welcome, so no baby gets left behind. Saturdays during spring & summer; Parks throughout Chicago. More info.

APRIL

Brookfield Zoo

Bunny Rock 5K & Egg Hunt
Hop, skip and run for a great cause. You'll support the Red Door Animal Shelter while your gang runs or walks through this bunny-filled 5K. Afterwards, your candy lovers won’t want to miss the massive Egg Dash with 3,000 eggs. Apr. 16; Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Harbor, Uptown. More info. 

Champion of Trees 10K at Morton Arboretum
Enjoy the first signs of spring on a challenging course with rolling terrain. After the run, stay for a complimentary beer, live music and free admission to the Arboretum. Apr. 23; Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle. More info. 

Best Buddies Friendship Walk at Soldier Field
Walk, support and celebrate best buddies at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. The Friendship Walk is the number one walk in the country raising awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Apr. 23; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info. 

2K Glow RunWalk
This 1.25-mile nighttime fun run featuring black bubble lights and color stations is not to be missed. Enjoy a rockin’ glow party with a DJ before and after the race. Maximize your glow by wearing as much white or neon as possible. Apr. 23; Ackerman Park, 800 S. Charles Rd., Glen Ellyn. More info. 

Earth Day Run at Brookfield Zoo
Lace-up for the Earth Day Run – A Run for the Planet. This non-competitive 2.2 mile “fun run” through the twist and turns of Brookfield Zoo takes place during pre-park hours and is set up for all ages. Apr. 24; Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield. More info. 

JUNE

The Color Run 5K
Wear your whitest clothes because at every kilometer, you'll be doused from head to toe with colored powder. The fest at the end with music, dancing, activity booths, more color throws and photo opps will keep the whole family entertained. Jun. 4; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info. 

Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals
The Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K, 10K & Kids’ 1/2 mile raises funds for the animals at Cosley Zoo as well as exhibit development projects, public programs and conservation projects. Jun. 4; Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. More info. 

Run for the Zoo
Run for the Zoo is an annual highlight on the Chicago running calendar and helps keep admission free, 365 days a year. The Kids' Course offers a more playful way for kids ages 3-8 to interact with the natural world. Jun. 5-13; Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; More info.

Move for the Kids Virtual 5K
Move for the Kids is a 3-mile walk and rally honoring the important work of Lurie's Children's Hospital. Jun. 12; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info.

Lambs Farm Fun & Fit Family Day
This fun, family-oriented  5K fun run or 2-mile walk benefits Lambs Farm's programs and services that help adults with developmental disabilities. Stay afterward for post-run/walk refreshments, games and activities. Jun. 18; Lames Farm, 14245 W. Rockland, Libertyville. More info. 

Outrun the Cops and Walk for Kids
Have you ever wondered if you could outrun the cops? Now's your chance to test your theories . . . with zero consequences. Most of this 10K or 5K run is along the scenic Des Plaines River Trail and you'll attempt to finish before the police. At the end, take photos with officers and squad cars. Jun. 25; Gurnee Police Station, 100 O'Plaine Rd., Gurnee. More info. 

JULY

Mary Taylor via Pexels

A Safe Haven Virtual 5k Run/Walk
This run/walk and kids’ dash, benefiting A Safe Haven social service agency, supports numerous housing, job placement/training and other programs for the homeless and less fortunate. Once you cross the finish line, you'll be rewarded with the sweet sound of music. Jul. 10-18; Virtual. More info.

AUGUST

Dim Sum & Then Some: Uptown 5K, 10K and Kids Dash
Proceeds for this run through Uptown benefit the low-income and refugee communities striving to learn English, become a citizen, enrich academically and socially and build a better community through work, entrepreneurship and mutual aid. Aug. 6; 1016 W. Argyle St., Uptown. More details. 

TransPerfect Chicago Victory 5K
TransPerfect Chicago is hosting their Victory 5K featuring a scenic race with city views, a silent auction and a post-race celebration with food, beverages and entertainment. All proceeds benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Aug. 11, Diversery Habor, 2601 N. Cannon Dr., Lakeview. More details. 

Stan's Donut Run
Grab your donut-lovin’ friends and register for the 2022 Stan’s Donut Race! Join in for a 5K and Kids Dash at Montrose Harbor or participate virtually. Stan's Donut Race is proud to partner with Greater Chicago Food Depository as this year's beneficiary charity. Aug. 13; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info. 

Life Time Kids Tri Chicago
Rivaling the largest youth triathlons nationwide, the Life Time Kids Tri Chicago attracts more than 1,000 youth athletes every year! They can swim, bike and run like the grownups, but for shorter distances. Aug. 27; Foster Beach, Foster Avenue & Lake Shore Dr., North Side. More info.

SEPTEMBER

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk
More than 7,000 men in the Chicagoland area will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone. The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk brings the community together to raise awareness and funds. This event features a 5K run/walk, 1-mile walk, Kids Superhero Dash for Dad, and virtual Snooze for Dudes program, where you can show your support without attending. Sep. 18; Diversey Harbor, 2601 N. Cannon Dr., Lakeview. More info.

OCTOBER

Walk Now for Autism Speaks
The no-pressure, three-mile walk is taking place in two locations, Soldier Field and Wheaton. The downtown walk takes you leisurely by the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium and along the lakefront. Strollers—and even Radio Flyer wagons—are welcome. 

Tip: Like all races, the environment at an Autism Speaks Walk can become overwhelming for people with sensory sensitivities. The Quiet Room can be used as a safe outlet should your loved one living with autism become overwhelmed. Oct. 22; Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton & Oct. 23; Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr., Museum Campus. More info.

Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure
The Susan G. Komen Race for the cure is an education and fundraising event that benefits breast cancer. The series of 5K runs and walks raises significant funds for the breast cancer movement, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. Oct. 29; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info.

NOVEMBER

Reindeer Run at Brookfield Zoo
Grab your glow sticks and running shoes and join Reindeer Run at Brookfield Zoo. With a two-mile course entirely within Brookfield Zoo, you and your family can "fun run" and be the first to see the zoo all decked out in lights for its Holiday Magic! Nov. 19; Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield. More info. 

— Maria Chambers

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Lace Up: 8 Kid- and Stroller-Friendly Races to Run with the Family this Season

by rttriciamirchandani

You know how your kids can literally run circles around you? Let them put that energy to good use at one of the many kid-friendly races the DMV offers. Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes for the first time or gearing up for another running season, we’ve tracked down a wide selection of local races across the DMV and throughout the rest of the year. All of them welcome strollers and kids, some have kids’ fun runs, and each one has a special perk to make it fun for the whole family. See you out there!

Photo: Capitol Hill Classic

Crystal City 5K Fridays
Run one or all of the 5K Fridays races with your mini-bundles of energy. They’ll get the wiggles out while you blow off some end of the week steam. Grown-ups, don’t forget to grab your post-race drink tickets that can be used at nearby watering holes.

Cost: $20-$25
When: Friday evenings in April
Where: Crystal City
Online: runpacers.com/race/crystal-city-5k-fridays

Arlington Bunny Hop
A fun, festive way to run together as a family, this 5K raises money for charity. Costumes are welcome (er, encouraged), and medals for all kids who finish will be handed out. Stick around for the block party afterwards, featuring free food, bounce houses and live music.

Cost: $5-$45
When: April 27, 8 a.m.
Where: 606 N. Irving St. (Arlington, VA)
Online: arlingtonbunnyhop.org

Photo: Teddy Bear 5K

Parkway Classic
Known as Alexandria’s Hometown Race, runners can opt for the 5k, 10-mile or kids dash races. The 10-miler starts at Mount Vernon and follows the GW Parkway to Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town, while the 5k takes off from Belle Haven Park. The Sugar Shack Kids Dash is an 800-meter dash, and participants get a race bib, a medal and a Sugar Shack doughnut at the end. Note that parents may run with their dashers, and the event is limited to 300 participants. It requires pre-registration, and strollers are permitted.

Cost: $10-$80
When: Apr. 28, 8 a.m. races, 10:30 a.m. kids dash
Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Hwy. Mount Vernon; Belle Haven Park, Alexandria; corner of Oronoco St. and North Union St. (Alexandria, Va) 
Online: runpacers.com/race/parkway-classic

Spring Georgetown 5K and Half
This scenic run on a flat course along the C&O Canal Path is perfect for runners and joggers with strollers. There are medals for all finishers.

Cost: $25-$60
When: May 26, 8 a.m.
Where: 3530 Water St., NW (Georgetown)
Online: bishopsevents.com

 

Photo: teddy b via flickr

Capitol Hill Classic
The 40th annual race, which winds by sights such as the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress, will end with music and yoga. It raises money for the Capitol Hill Cluster School, a D.C. public school with more than 1,000 students. Medal winners are divided by age: under 15 and 15 to 19 for kids. Jogging strollers are permitted.

Cost: $10-$80
When: May 19, 10:30 a.m. fun run
Where: 425 C St., NE
Online: capitolhillclassic.com

Maryland Half Marathon and 5K
The 11th annual race benefits the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart
Greenebaum Cancer Center. For their efforts, all kids fun run finishers (who will cross the same finish line as the grown-up half marathoners!) receive a medal.

Cost: $20-$40
When: June 8
Where: The Maple Lawn Community
Online: uomms.convio.net

Photo: David Ingram via Flickr

Kids Superhero Dash for Dad (ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk)
The 1-mile dash (and the 5k run/walk) raise money for prostate cancer research, screening and education. Participants get a T-shirt and free food. Strollers are permitted, but race organizers ask that racers start at the back and give the right of way to runners.

Cost: $15-$35
When: Jun. 15, 8:15 a.m.
Where: 1101 S. Joyce St. (Arlington, Va)
Online:support.zerocancer.org

Stroller Run
This 5k for parents and their kids benefits local charities so you can feel good about doing something for yourself and for others. Post-race perks include child care so you can relax and enjoy nearby shopping and refreshments.

When: June 29, 10 a.m.
Online: http://www.thestrollerrun.com/#cities

—Tricia Mirchandani and Stephanie Kanowitz

 

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Cancer – We’re Done with You!

By Kathy Gorohoff

‌

In honor of Movember, and in an effort to bring attention to men’s health issues, I wanted to share how Prostate Cancer and cancer in general has affected my life. This article has been challenging for me to write, I am not sure if it is because it is such a big topic and it is a pretty emotional to put it into words or if it is that I have so many thoughts about it, that I am not sure how to narrow it down. Probably a little bit of both. Naively, I never thought it would happen to us, but of course I was wrong.

Prior to 2014 my life was cancer free, my first interaction with cancer was when my mom told me she had lung cancer, luckily it was detected early and with surgery it was removed and she is now cancer free. After that incident, I felt that was as close as I really needed to get to cancer. Then in September of 2014 we found out my husband, Andrew, had Prostate Cancer. This was discovered after he had been back and forth to doctor appointments all year long, which began because he was unable to urinate while we were traveling in Hawaii in January of that year, appointment after appointment, taking one medication after another, finally to have a doctor take a biopsy of his prostate to learn what was going on and why his issues wouldn’t stop. Luckily, similar to my mom, my husband’s cancer was found early, the cancer detected was small but treatment was challenging because he is in his early 40’s and his options had a bigger effect on his life than they would if the cancer would have been found when he was older, like in his 70’s or 80’s which is more common. In the end, he had his prostate removed which took care of the cancer. After months of recovery, the doctors gave Andrew the all clear to continue with our plan to travel around the country in our camper – something we had been planning way before cancer ever showed up in or lives. We traveled, cancer free for 9 months with our girls and lived an amazing adventure. Then we came back and at my husband’s first follow up appointment with his doctor after the trip, the doctor determined something was not right. After some uncomfortable procedures and out-patient surgeries we found out that Andrew now had urethral cancer. Seriously, Cancer – can you give us a break?

When we found out about the Prostate Cancer there was so much research and information to learn about it, it’s one of the most common cancers out there. Urethral Cancer – not so much. In fact, Urethral cancer is rare is the most rare of all urological cancer. The doctors said that there are volumes of medical documents on Prostate Cancer and maybe four pages on Urethral Cancer. The summer after our trip consisted of more doctor appointments and surgeries. The last surgery, in September was the last one, for now, that removed the cancer they found. The doctors are hopeful, but not 100% certain that all the cancer was removed and Andrew will go back after Christmas and every three months moving forward to have his urethra checked for any more of those nasty cancer cells. My wish for Christmas is to have my husband 100% cancer free and to have an uneventful and healthy New Year.

Hopefully this article will be read by both men and women, but likely it will be read by a few more women than men. So for anyone reading this if you are a man or if you have a man in your life, husband, partner, brother, father, anyone with a prostate, if they can’t pee, they should talk to a doctor, if it’s difficult to pee, if there is blood in the pee or it hurts when they go, these are signs that there might be a problem. These problems were not going away with all the help the doctors were giving my husband, so they did the biopsy and found cancer. Luckily, all this was found early and surgery has been all the treatment he has needed, hopefully we are at the end of this cancer journey and we can go on living healthy, normal lives.

What I have learned about cancer through this journey is that cancer doesn’t really care what you have planned, it doesn’t care if you do everything right either. You can be super healthy, eat right, exercise and take your vitamins and cancer can still find you. You can be completely average, minding your own business and it’ll find you.  It doesn’t care if you have kids and a family and if you really don’t have time. When cancer comes around it takes center stage and you live your life around it. These days we try and incorporate the foods that are found to fight cancer and inflammation and try our best to keep stress levels down (which is challenging), but in the end we just try and live our best and happiest life, because cancer really doesn’t give a crap what you do, it will find you if it wants to. And with that in mind, we will continue to fight it and cherish each day, say our prayers and eat our vegetables and hope that our journey with cancer is behind us.

I am a mom, a writer, traveler, runner and yogi.  I love the outdoors and am adjusting to re-entry from 9 months traveling in a truck camper around the US and Canada with my family. I am excited to share my travels, stories and perspectives on parenting in the city. 

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