For Denise Thibault, a two-time cancer survivor and mother of two from Edwardsville, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has made a difference in her life, funding the research that helped catch her cancers in their earliest stages, thereby saving her life.
"I appreciate everything ACS has done," she said. "Because of them, I'm able to celebrate more birthdays, and I can spend more time with my little girls that I possibly would not have been able to do."
One of the ways the ACS of the Metro East raises funds is through its Relay for Life, which is coming up June 27 and 28 in Edwardsville.
Individuals and groups are invited to take part in Relay for Life of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society's work in Madison County, Ill. Each relay team, made up of 12 to 15 volunteers, will walk the Edwardsville High School track for 12 hours, from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. to symbolize an individual's cancer treatment.
Teams and individuals can register for the event at www.relayforlife.org, call 618-288-2320 or email rfledglen@gmail.com
Even individuals who are not part of a team can attend Relay for Life at any time throughout the evening. There will be musical performances, family-friendly activities and a special Luminaria ceremony to honor those whose lives have been impacted by cancer. In addition, a number of teams will offer food and games during Relay for Life to raise funds for ACS.
In 2013, more than 66,090 Illinois residents were diagnosed with cancer. For these individuals, the ACS provides support groups, lodging and transportation throughout their battles. ACS also has dedicated more than $3.8 billion in its history to fund research for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Photo courtesy of Denise Thibault
More than a dozen ice carvers will fill two blocks of North Main Street in St. Charles and create works of ice art at this outdoor ice-carving festival.
The Loop Ice Carnival is a festival full of frosty fun for all ages. Held on Delmar Blvd. in University City, the carnival features live ice carving demonstrations, 50+ ice sculptures, ice slides and ice games for kids, snowflake ballerinas, beloved Blues mascot Louie, live music, a live drone show and lots more.
Come over to the dark side and meet the amazing birds that exist by moonlight. Owl Prowls are an opportunity for families to learn about owls from the naturalists at the World Bird Sanctuary.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.
Science Tots is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. The class provides opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration and play.