Kids & Family

'We Still Miss Meg:' Runners and Walkers Raise $30K for Melanoma Research

Hundreds turn out to Klein Park to participate in 5K to raise money for melanoma research in memory of Evergreen Park friend and neighbor, Meg Moonan.

Meg was a young wife and mom of four living in Holy Redeermer Parish when she was diagnosed with melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—in 2010. She died from the disease in March 2012.

The March4Meg 5K was started by Meg’s mother, Nancy Donovan. Proceeds from Saturday’s 5K will go to support the Meg Moonan Endowment for Melanoma Research.

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Saturday’s 5K drew 1,247 walkers and 329 runners, for a total of 1,576 participants. Overall, March4Meg raised over $30,000 that will go toward Meg’s endowment for melanoma research at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton and State Rep. Kelly Burke (36th District) came out to support friends and numbers, and participate in the 5K with their families.

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March4Meg also drew Team Lucy, in memory of Lucy Dinneen Barry, who also succumbed to disease, and another family from St. Louis, that drove up to honor the memory of their, brother Tyler.

“Meg would be so pleased. And Lucy would be so pleased as well. Tyler would also be happy,” Nancy Donovan said in a moving post-race speech.  “[When] I look over this crowd I see leaders. Those who know they can make a difference. Your actions, your registration, your walk or run means you believe we are going to find answers, answers to this challenge we have.  That’s what leaders do.  Thank you for that. “

See the March4Meg 5K race results for 2014.

Bill Figel was a contributor to this report. 


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