Help light the night
An estimated 785,829 Americans live with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma, according to the Illinois chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Lisle resident Marilyn Buchholz is one of them.
While the number is of concern, the key word in that first sentence is "live." Today, promising research, new drugs and early detection fuel optimism.
"By 2015, the society's goal is to be essentially out of business," said Michelle Thompson, the society's campaign manager for the Western Suburbs Light the Night walk.
"We love what we do, but by then we want answers. A new drug the society's research found called Gleevac is showing promise."
The nonprofit organization's Illinois goal for 2007 is to raise $1.9 million for research. The ambitious target echoes the courage individuals and families face every day when a serious illness strikes.
"What helps me get through day to day is the love and support that I have from my family and friends," Buchholz said.
"When I am feeling down and wondering 'why did this happen to me,' I talk to my brother, Chris, who lives in New York, and he always has positive and wonderful things to say to help me get through the moment."
Buchholz's brother reminds her that he is there for her anytime, that she is not alone and that the family is 100 percent with her.
"Most importantly, when I talk to him, we don't pretend it doesn't exist; (we acknowledge) that it is serious and we face it right on," she said.
Buchholz knows that having a personal support system is a key component to living with serious illness. In addition to Chris, Buchholz gains great strength and support from her husband, son, two daughters, eight siblings, her father and countless friends.
Through fundraisers, a holiday boutique and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night walk, the group raises money for research.
Ninety of those friends and family members will walk with Buchholz on Sunday at Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St. She encourages others to do the same.
Registration and festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with the walk at 7 p.m., rain or shine. All registered walkers carry illuminated balloons. It is a powerful visual display, with cancer patients and survivors carrying white balloons; supporters carrying red balloons; and those who walk in memory of a person carrying a gold balloon.
Buchholz was instrumental in bringing the society's Western Suburbs Light the Night walk to Lisle for the first time. In 2006, more than 8,000 people participated in the six walks held in Illinois. Organizers anticipate roughly 2,000 walkers this weekend in Lisle. The 2-mile walk will take less than an hour.
Buchholz said when people ask her whether they need to be in training to do the walk, she explains it's very casual. It is more about families and friends, parents pushing strollers or pulling wagons, and the awesome sight of all the lit balloons at twilight.
In Lisle, the route circles the park on the north side of Short Street. In the central area will be sponsor and team tents.
People participate as individuals or in teams. Each walks to demonstrate their willingness to help fight cancer. The money they raise goes to support the society's mission, which is to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the life of patients and their families.
Leukemia is the leading cause of cancer death among children and young adults under the age of 20. Lymphomas are the most common blood cancers, with incidences increasing with age, according to the society's printed information.
Buchholz's own battle with cancer followed losing her mother, mother-in-law and a brother to the different forms of the disease.
"They are my inspiration," Buchholz said.
Such personal experiences convinced Buchholz that a lump on her neck needed further testing. A biopsy revealed lymphoma. She is now in a wait-and-see holding pattern and is carefully monitored with PET Scans and CTs on a regular basis. If the cancer spreads, more aggressive treatment will begin.
Buchholz's health outlook may be on hold, but she is not sitting back. She's working hard. For the fourth time, she'll join her team -- The Warriors -- to walk and raise money for research.
"We started out with 13 people four years ago," the Lisle Unit District 202 secretary said. "But we continue to grow and this year there are 90 on my team."
The Warriors grow as her children's sports teams and their families join in the crusade along with more friends and neighbors. She smiles with amazement at the total.
"Talking about (my disease), being an advocate for the society and helping others is the best thing that helps me deal with having cancer," Buchholz said.
Share a conversation with this dynamo mom of three at the walk, or when she joins with the Lisle High School Home and School Organization to host its annual Holiday Boutique, Craft Show and Bake Sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 4 at Lisle High School, 1800 Short St.
Half the show's proceeds will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society thanks to Buchholz's work on the organizing committee. The boutique is a great start to holiday shopping.
By talking to Buchholz at the Illinois Chapter Leukemia and Lymphoma Society bazaar booth or at the Light the Night walk, you will be charmed and inspired. She has learned that, although living with lymphoma is indeed a big thing, it is only a small part of her blessed life.
For walk information or to register, call (312) 651-7350 or visit lightthenight.org/il.
For information about blood cancer, visit www.LLS.org or call (800) 955-4572.
If you go
What: Western Suburbs Light the Night walk to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
When: 7 p.m. Sunday; registration and activities begin at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St.
Info: (312) 651-7350 or lightthenight.org/il