Date posted: 5-7-01

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By Meghan O'Brien

DeKalb News Service

GENOA -- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and DeKalb County Safe Kids will hold the "Wheels For Life" Bike-A-Thon and Bike Safety Rodeo May 20 in Genoa.

Sponsored by Sycamore Ford/Mazda Hyundai, the Bike-A-Thon will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the AG Communications parking lot, located at the east end of Chamberlain Park. This is an opportunity for kids to ride their bikes, Rollerblade or walk to raise money for children less fortunate. Participants may start at any time and there are no age restrictions.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., is internationally recognized for its biomedical research center dedicated to finding cures for catastrophic diseases of childhood. Macarena Ottogalli, 4, of Argentina received the benefits of St. Jude research when she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. The tumor was discovered early and she has been in remission for two years.

"We hope by raising money through the Bike-A-Thon we can help more children like Macarena," said Lori Borak, coordinator for the event. "We need a lot of help either through participating, volunteering or donations."

St. Jude offers hospitalization to any child, regardless of the ability to pay.

"This is why we need everyone's help to raise enough money to make a difference," Borak said.

This year's Bike-A-Thon is dedicated to the memory of Natalie Florence Benda. A cousin of Borak's, Natalie was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma at 14. With bone marrow, spinal taps and many other tests, Natalie was able to live for three years until her final relapse at the age of 17. She spent 2 ½ weeks in a coma until passing away Oct. 3, 2000.

"Natalie was a very brave girl and never complained about a thing," said Borak. "No family should ever have to go through the pain of losing a child to such a mean and unforgiving disease. If I can help save one child by coordinating a Bike-A-Thon, then the entire time it took me to coordinate it was worth it."

Borak said she would try her best to help other children suffering from cancer.

"It took God to take an angel away from us to realize what we are capable of doing to help others," she said.

The Bike Safety Rodeo is a chance for kids to be tested in eight different areas on their bike safety skills. State Farm Insurance will provide a course for the children to ride on.

"It is very important for the kids to come with their helmets," said Todd Stroyan, patrolman for the Genoa Police Department and associate member of DeKalb County Safe Kids. "They will be tested on their bike maneuvering and turning, speed control, stopping ability and a safety inspection."

Any questions about the Bike Safety Rodeo can be directed to Stroyan at (815) 899-SAFE.

The Kane County Cougars mascot, "Ozzie," will make an appearance as well as music provided by Music & Sound Co. Participants will have a chance to win one of two new scooters and receive incentives upon completion of the day's events. Any questions can be forwarded to Lori Borak at (815) 784-5033. If you are unable to make the event but would like to help through donations, you can send a check payable to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, c/o Citizens First National Bank, 327 W. Main St., Genoa, IL 60135

Sources:
Lori Borak, coordinator for the "Wheels For Life" Bike-A-Thon, (815) 784-5033

Todd Stroyan, patrolman for the Genoa police dept. and associate member for DeKalb
County Safe Kids, (815) 784-5033