Oak Lawn Firefighters Climb Hilton Tower To 'Wipe Out Cancer'

Looking at Elaine Brown, you’d never guess that there is a tumor growing in her brain. Pretty in pink at the Tower Trot last Sunday that raised money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Elaine is a cancer survivor and fighter.

The 52-year-old City of Chicago auditor had a malignant brain tumor removed in September 2011 at

“I would get dizzy and lightheaded,” she said. “I started doing things that weren’t regular. I went to work twice without taking my coat and purse. I’d forget to leave for work on time, and leave my overhead garage door open.”

After fainting at her parents’ house, they took her to Little Company of Mary Hospital where she was diagnosed. The surgery took place at Advocate Christ. Her last MRI revealed a second tumor in her brain. Her doctors told her to keep taking her chemo medication.

She had always given to the American Cancer Society, but since her diagnosis she has gotten involved as a volunteer for the upcoming Oak Lawn Relay for Life. Teams throughout the Southland are holding fundraisers leading up to Oak Lawn's Relay for Life presented by Advocate Christ next month at the

More than 40 firefighters from the team were climbing the stairs at the Hilton Oak Lawn. Through Local 3405, the firefighters have raised over $4,000 that will go to the American Cancer Society.

Firefighters walked or ran up 12 flights of stair at the Hilton tower. Stairwells were decorated with signs commemorating firefighters’ loved ones who passed away from the disease.

Oak Lawn firefighter and union secretary Bob Lanz said that more than 20 firefighters have lost family members to some type of cancer.

As for Elaine Brown, she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

“You can’t,” she said. “You have to fight. If it beats me it beats me, but it’s not going to overtake me.”

The 2012 Oak Lawn Relay for Life will take place July 21 at the and run for 24 hours. Teams must have a member on the Pavilion track at times throughout the 24-hour event.

To field or join an existing team, contact event co-chair, Lori Anne Jadzak, director of sales and marketing for the Hilton Oak Lawn at lori.jadzak@hilton.com.