Local Firefighters Fight Pediatric Cancer at 6th Annual Fire Up A Cure
Star Wars, firefighters and reptiles…oh my! What do all three of these have in common? They will all get fired up at The Cure It Foundation's 6th Annual Fire Up A Cure event on Saturday, July 22. This one-of-a-kind event brings together nearly 20 teams of firefighters from across Illinois competing in a series of challenges such as a fire truck pull, inflatable jousting, tug-of-war, dodgeball tournament, and more; all to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer clinical research trials. Courageous pediatric cancer patients and survivors will serve as honorary coaches to the local firefighters. Competitors, coaches and community members will come together to join in support and celebration for champions of all sizes!
The event is open to the public and scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Saint Xavier University's (SXU) Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd Street. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time by visiting The Cure It Foundation's website or at the door on July 22!
Back by popular demand, the 501st Legion Midwest Garrison, a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans, will be present for photo ops and fun. There will even be a special guest appearance from Batman and the bat mobile – you won't want to miss it!
Also returning this year as emcee will be FOX 32 Chicago anchor/reporter Natalie Bomke.
"This foundation is built around a team of people who care about the future of fighters and survivors of childhood cancer," said Cure It Foundation Founder Dr. Jason Canner. "I feel like the firefighters and people touched directly by pediatric cancer – doctors, nurses and family members – have really come together to bring an amazing event to Saint Xavier University. What makes this event special is that the kids will always be the core of the team."
Additionally, Fire Up A Cure will proudly award up to two survivors of childhood cancer with the inaugural 'Neil Spore First Responder Scholarship,' aiding young adults as they pursue a career as a first responder. LifeSource and Be the Match will be present at the event, which will help increase the donor pool for children battling cancer.
A DJ will provide music as children and their families will also enjoy Irish dances, raffles, a reptile show, face painting, arts and crafts, inflatable slides & attractions, a kids' fire pole to slide down, real fire trucks to explore, split the pot and much more! Several food trucks, including: Chuck's Southern Comforts Café, El Coyote, Beggars Pizza and Rainbow Cone will also be available.
For more information, please contact Amy Kazmierowicz at (773) 954-8401 or amy@cureitfoundation.com.