Kids & Family

Relay of Life Celebrates Life, Remembers Those Lost

Highlights of Relay for Life of Barrington.

Five-year-old Piper Novak danced her heart out as Herb Porter sang his heart out at Relay for Life of Barrington. The little girl infused her spirit into the relay, a celebration of life and remembrance as teams raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society and cancer research.

Piper, of Deer Park, is a survivor. She was diagnosed with leukemia at age 3 then underwent 700 chemotherapy treatments until last September, her mom, Julie, said.

Julie Novak followed the little girl as she walked around the track at Barrington High School with other cancer survivors to kick off the Relay for Life of Barrington on Friday, June 7.

Relay for Life of Barrington has raised more than $130,000 and the American Cancer Society lists the group as the second biggest relay fundraiser in the state.

The relay kicks off with an opening ceremony and the survivor lap, followed by the caregiver lap. Barrington resident Eydie Major and her daughter Deanna Murphy, walked hand in hand, wearing hats and each carrying a white carnation.

Tony Vanella watched his wife and daughter walk around the track and prepared to take photos. He said Eydie had uterine cancer while Deanna had breast cancer, both in the same year.

The women have been cancer free for 10 years.

“It’s very touching,” Vanella said, of watching the two walk.

The luminaria ceremony is another touching moment, but Relay for Life of Barrington also had plenty of fun with bands, special relays and other activities.    


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