Events
5K Walk (IN-PERSON)
5K Run (IN-PERSON) *bib / chip timing*
5K Run/Walk (VIRTUAL)
In-Person OR Virtual Race Website
Additional In-Person OR Virtual Race information can be found at https://christmaswithoutcancer.org/5k/.
Place
Virtual: Anywhere you'd like!
Description
12th Annual 5K Run/Walk Fundraising Event for Christmas Without Cancer NFP
All funds raised will enable Christmas Without Cancer to persist in its mission of supporting Southland families who are fighting the harsh realities of cancer throughout the year.
Who is Christmas Without Cancer NFP?
A nonprofit organization established in 2003 by Gerri Neylon, a compassionate oncology nurse who observed the hardships her patients faced - physically, emotionally, and financially. Our team provides a variety of support, including Christmas gifts, gift cards for gas, groceries, medications, and financial assistance for mortgage, rent, car payments, school tuition, and household bills. Although our name includes "Christmas," we take pride in offering assistance year-round to qualifying recipients, made possible by the generosity of our wonderful supporters. For more than twenty years, we have been able to help thousands of families in the Southland who are dealing with the difficulties of cancer.
In-Person OR Virtual Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this In-Person OR Virtual Race, click the button below.
Want to become a 5K Sponsor?
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
Dear Valued Friends, Neighbors, and Supporters,
In 2003, inspired by her work as an oncology nurse and witnessing the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis, Gerri Neylon set out to alleviate those challenges for one family during the Christmas season. She shared her vision, the community responded, and thus Christmas Without Cancer (CWC) was created. Now, twenty-three years later, CWC supports local cancer patients (within a 30-mile radius of Orland Park) and their families every day of the year.
Since its founding on that memorable evening at Gerri’s kitchen table, CWC has supported thousands of friends, neighbors, and families within our community. In 2025, the vision grew stronger when CWC secured its first headquarters, aiming to enhance its impact in the community.
On a day-to-day basis, CWC provides recipients with financial grants and gift cards to help pay for living expenses like mortgages/rent, utilities, gas, tuition, groceries, medications, medical bills, and travel expenses for treatment. During the holidays, CWC provides recipients with a little extra cheer, including financial grants, gift cards, holiday gifts, holiday meals, fun family experiences, and many other surprises.
In 2025, CWC achieved a significant milestone by assisting 475 families throughout the year and 99 families during the holiday season. This support included:
$161,416.83 in financial grants
$60,433.29 in gift cards
$74,360.88 aimed at spreading holiday joy
In total, over $300,000 was provided to our recipients, and this achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of our fundraising event sponsors.
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, CWC will kick off our 12th Annual 5K Run/Walk in Evergreen Park, IL, our largest fundraiser of the year, and we kindly request your support through a sponsorship or in-kind donation.
From the bottom of our hearts, we sincerely thank you for your continued friendship and partnership in the community. We hope to see you at the starting line!
Course Maps
Directions
In Person:
Klein Park/Circle Park located at 97th and Homan Avenue in Evergreen Park, Illinois
Virtual:
Anywhere you'd like!
MapMyRun Map
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In-Person OR Virtual Race Survey
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