South Cook News

Little Company Of Mary Hospital issued the following announcement on April 18.

Last year, more than 14,000 men, women and children walked the Beverly neighborhood in commemoration of the countless wives, daughters and mothers who fought the war on breast cancer. Flashback 19 years ago, the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk (BBCW) only consisted of three pioneering women whose vision would inspire the Southland community to think pink on Mother’s Day.

Nearly two decades ago, Chicago area resident Carol Moriarty sought treatment at Little Company of Mary Hospital’s (LCMH) Comprehensive Breast Health Center to aid her in her battle with breast cancer. After a successful plan of treatments, Carol found herself cancer-free with a new profound vision for life.

In 1999, Carol, her sister Nancy Mulcahy and longtime friend and Beverly resident Lisa O’Brien decided to give Southland residents a local option in the fight against breast cancer. What started as a walk among a group of friends and family on Mother’s Day quickly grew into a 14,000 participants and community-wide event that today has raised more than $6 million with proceeds benefiting the programs and technology at LCMH’s award-winning Comprehensive Breast Health Center. For two decades, a talented group of committee members have donated their time and talents to make the BBCW a bigger success each year.

“The countless hours spent by the committee and dedicated volunteers on registration, marketing, fundraising, entertainment, and merchandising has not gone unnoticed, and –our gratitude for what all the effort accomplishes is immense,” said Brian Lepacek, MDiv, Executive Director of the Little Company of Mary Hospital Foundation. “This year’s 20th anniversary milestone is living proof that if we join hands and talents together, we can make a difference – and save lives.”

Over the past 19 years, the BBCW has raised more than $6 million to support LCMH’s award-winning Comprehensive Breast Health Center and impacted the lives of thousands of breast cancer survivors. With generous community support in 2018, the BBCW was able to sustain its support of current breast health programming and continue deepening its impact with the establishment of a BBCW Crisis Fund to assist LCMH breast cancer patients with emergent financial needs within our community. Additionally, a portion of the 2018 event proceeds supported a “sister-walk” partnership with the international organization, People Helping People, bringing much-needed medical equipment, supplies and services to breast cancer patients in poverty-stricken El Salvador.

The 20th Annual Beverly Breast Cancer Walk will take place on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 2019. The walk starts at 8:00 a.m. at Ridge Park located on 96th and Longwood, Chicago, Illinois. Register early to receive a t-shirt with your $30 entry fee. The entry fee for children ages 18 and under is $15. Same-day registration is $10 more for adults and $5 more for children 18 and under. T-shirt availability is not guaranteed for day-of registrants. To register, go to www.BeverlyBreastCancerWalk today.

Original source can be found here.