Area Firefighters 'Fire Up A Cure' for Pediatric Cancer

Local firefighters will raise money to help fight pediatric cancer at The Cure It Foundation's third annual Fire Up A Cure event on Sat., July 26.

The event, which is open to the public, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Saint Xavier University's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. To purchase tickets, please visit the Cure It Foundation's website or contact 872- 222-5437.

Fire Up A Cure will bring together firefighters from across Illinois to compete in a series of challenges to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer clinical trials and for local children who are battling this illness. Events will include a fire truck pull, a hot wing eating contest sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, an obstacle course, inflatable jousting, tug-of-war, and more. Pediatric cancer patients will serve as honorary coaches for each team.

In addition to the firefighter competitions, the event features concessions and entertainment for the entire family. Children's activities will include an inflatable fire truck slide, an obstacle course, a kids' fire pole to slide down, real fire trucks for children to explore, face painting, a photo booth and a balloon artist. A DJ will provide music and there will be performances by local dance troupes, travel cheerleading squads, and a magician. There also will be several food trucks and vendors. Additionally, we are so happy to share that Channel 9 reporter Patrick Elwood will emcee the event.

“This foundation is built around a team of people who care about the future of fighters and survivors of childhood cancer,” said Cure It Foundation Founder Dr. Jason Canner. “What makes us special is that the kids will always be the core of the team.”

Participating fire departments from the area include Bloomingdale, Chicago, Chicago Heights, Country Club Hills, Cicero, Merrionette Park, Morris, North Aurora, Oak Lawn, Oak Forest, Palos, Peotone, Robbins, Stickney and Tinley Park.