
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
Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.
Splash and play with your little one in this fun morning activity. No registration is necessary.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Enjoy free snow cones and watch as the sun sets on greenways across the St. Louis metro area at Sunsets and Snowcones sponsored by Great Rivers Greenway. This free summer series is designed to connect people to nature and community while highlighting the 135 miles of greenways maintained by the agency.
Thursday Trivia at 9 Mile Garden is designed for all ages. Play trivia, win prizes, and enjoy food from the food trucks. Free admission.