Sixth Annual Relay for Life Kicks Off Tonight in OF

Organizers expect anywhere from 600 to 800 people at the annual event that recognizes and supports cancer survivors.

Paula Kubilius has never met a single person who doesn't know someone who has had cancer. "Everyone knows someone," said Kubilius, the chair of Relay for Life of Oak Forest. "That's why it's so important that we find a cure." That's why, every year now for six years, the local group has hosted the Relay for Life. It's a fundraiser where people walk through the night not only to raise money for research, "but we also raise money that is put right back into our community to our survivors," Kubilius added. The 2012 all-night Relay for Life will kick off tonight at 6 p.m. ends at 6 a.m. Saturday, June 23 at Raiders Field behind the Oak Forest Park District's Central Building at 157th & Central. A ceremony to honor survivors will open the …

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PatchCast: A Daily Video Report

Daily PatchCast: Soldier Welcomed Home, Survivor Shares Her Story

A daily video recap of the Southland's top stories

Home Cookin': Soldier Returns From Iraq and Enjoys Meal With Friends (Video) Area Parents and School Board Officials Oppose School District Consolidation Bill Mother and Daughter Share Story of Triumph Over Cancer Boys Swimming: Sandburg's Matt Veldman Lives Up to Standards Set by Brother at State Meet

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Treasure Chest Chock Full of Gifts for Kids

The Orland Park-based foundation collects toys for children suffering from cancer and recently saw a 20 percent increase in donations.

Kristine Bulian knew what her family had to do. About two and a half years ago, her daughter Hannah was admitted to Advocate Hope Children's Hospital for intense chemotherapy to treat leukemia. It was her 12th birthday. When the doctors found out it was Hannah's birthday, she immediately got to pick a present from the "treasure chest," a selection of toys donated to hospitals across the country from the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. During 16 hospital stays that followed after her birthday, the staff would bring her toys to choose from on days when she needed rest, especially after a difficult procedure. "It was significant. She always smiled," Kristine Bulian said.  "The hospital staff would always look for the perfect …

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