SUPPORTING THE JACK H. MARSTON II MELANOMA FUND, GLEN ELLYN
AH, YES! Summer is finally here and tickling our desires to get out into the sunshine and soak-up those rays. After the cold Chicago months, does anything sound better? However, as we prepare for all our fun in the sun, we still need to be aware of the dangers that lurk in too much sun exposure. Besides sunburns and blisters, melanoma is a true villain. The incidence of melanoma is increasing at an alarming rate and is a threat to both adults and children; yet, research toward better treatment and a cure remains underfunded.
The Jack H. Marston II Melanoma Fund was established in 2004 when melanoma took the life of devoted family man and dedicated children’s coach, Jack H. Marston II at the age of 47. “I did not want another family to go through what we experienced,” says Sharon Marston, Jack’s widowed wife and the President and Founder of the organization. “When Jack was fighting, there was not much support for melanoma patients…not anymore!”
Over the past fifteen years, Jack’s Fund has helped increase awareness and improve the treatments for this very complex cancer. Jack was an accomplished athlete and four-time Chicago Marathon participant, so it made sense to fundraise around running. Jack’s Fund has organized for 15 years the Annual “This Run’s for Jack” 5K Run/Walk in October at Ackerman Park in Glen Ellyn, where many families attend to memorialize a loved one lost to the disease.
There also have been several marathon teams that were formed over the years in support of Jack’s Fund and participated in the Chicago Marathon, the New York City Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, and many more. The organization is also highly involved in free skin screening throughout the community and attends many of the high school health and wellness fairs.
If you are runner, the 5K walk/run is a fun race to participate in while giving back to the cause. If you are a marathon runner…or want to be…you can choose to be on one of their marathon teams. If you are not a runner and would still like to support Jack’s Fund, they always need volunteers at the races and the fairs. You can find out more information on how to contact them at www.jacksfund.org
Mindy’s June Giving Inspiration: Share your sunscreen with your friends at summer outings that did not think to bring it.
ABOUT THE WRITER Mindy Kyle is the owner of Be Inspired Studios and is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full, healthy and happy life. She has her Masters in Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and lives in Naperville with her husband, three children and the cutest dog in the land.
