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Best Ways To Get Involved With Breast Cancer Awareness Month In Chicago

How can you get involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October? The Chicago area offers a number of opportunities, with events from fundraisers to charity runs on the calendar this month. You and your family and friends can volunteer time through organizations committed to helping people diagnosed with breast cancer while also raising awareness and making a difference. Take a look at the following events to see how you can get involved during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Chicago. Make some time and get screened this month, too.
Rally For The Cure At Robichaux
Robichaux Park
9247 S. Eggleston Ave.
Chicago, IL 60620
(312) 747-6648
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Saturday, Oct. 17

Whether you're a lifelong volleyball player or just want to participate in a fun event while raising awareness for breast cancer, then the Chicago Park District has you covered. You and your friends can spend the day at Rally for the Cure at Robichaux. The park, located near 95th and Halsted Streets, hosts the free event on Oct. 17 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Robichaux Park is also hosting three-on-three basketball games to raise awareness of breast cancer on Oct. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Don't forget to register through the park in advance of the events.

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center Of Northwestern University
cancer.northwestern.edu

Sunday, Oct. 18

If you want to learn more about breast cancer and find out about resources in your area, then consider participating in the public programs held throughout the Chicago area and organized through the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Upcoming events include "What's Jewish about BRCA? Experts Discuss Hereditary Breast, Ovarian, Prostate & Pancreatic Cancer," held Oct. 14 at Chicago Botanic Garden, and a community forum for breast cancer in Spanish held on Oct. 18 at the Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center in Chicago. The events include panel discussions and other information regarding breast cancer. You can also help volunteer at the center's numerous events and programs, or volunteer as a patient care ambassador and assist patients receiving treatments for different types of cancer.

Making Strides Of Chicago
Soldier Field
1410 S. Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
main.acsevents.org

Saturday, Oct. 24

Lace up your walking shoes and raise awareness for breast cancer through Making Strides of Chicago. Located at the iconic Soldier Field in the heart of Chicago and right near Lake Michigan, the noncompetitive walk totals 3.1 miles. Sign up in advance so you can receive a spot. The event, which will be held rain or shine on Oct. 24, includes more than just a walk. Live entertainment, a photo session of breast cancer survivors, and opening and closing ceremonies are also on the schedule. Participants are also encouraged to dress up in pink for the walk, further raising awareness. Funds raised through the walk will help the American Cancer Society. Volunteer opportunities are also available at this event.

Related: Best Family Hikes Near Chicago

Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation 5K
Diversey Harbor
2601 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 926-4274
lynnsage.org/5k

Sunday, Oct. 25

The entire family can come out and participate in the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation 5K, held along the picturesque Diversey Harbor in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. The 5K run and walk starts at 9 a.m. on Oct. 25, with a kids' dash planned for 10:15 a.m. Participants can register in advance or on the day of the event, which will be held rain or shine and strollers are allowed. However, you will have to keep Fido at home, as pets aren't allowed. Don't feel like running? You can lend your support by volunteering for the event, check out the details available on the foundation's website. The fundraiser will help support programs through the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Bright Pink
670 N. Clark St., Suite 2
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 787-4412
www.brightpink.org

If you'd like a long-term volunteer project, then consider taking a look at the opportunities available through Bright Pink. Through the organization, which is "focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women" as noted on the organization's website, volunteers can facilitate support groups. Other opportunities include hosting educational workshops, distributing educational materials and organizing fundraising events in the community. Or, you can raise funds for Bright Pink for your next marathon.

Related: Best Family-Friendly Bike Trails In Chicago

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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