2nd Annual 'March4Meg' Celebrates Life of Courageous Woman

Meg Donovan Moonan’s life was filled with love. She grew up with four siblings in a boisterous home on the South Side. She attended St. Thomas More and Maria High School.

She married the love of her life, Ken Moonan, in 1994. They were happily raising four children, Luke, Ellen, Will, and Marty, in Holy Redeemer Parish in Evergreen Park. Then, in 2010, Meg was diagnosed with melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

Meg fought the disease bravely, with a quiet grace, diligently researching the latest trials and treatments available. Even in the throes of disease -- enduring two surgeries, 16 hospital stays, and experimental chemotherapy treatments -- she was radiant.

The young wife and mother passed away on March 30, 2012.

On Saturday, March 29, 1,800 walkers and runners are expected to step off at Klein Park at 97th and Homan in Evergreen Park, for the second annual March4Meg 5K Run/Walk.

Founded by Meg’s mother, Nancy Donovan, March4Meg endeavors to raise funds to research a cure for melanoma and to promote sun skin safety.

Cost to enter is $30 per runner/walker, and $65 for the family walk.

Runners and walkers can register at Running Excels, at 10328 S Western Ave., Chicago from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, and from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, or on Saturday (race day) at the Evergreen Park Recreation Center, 3450 W. 97th St., from 7 to 8:35 a.m.

The 5K course is USATF certified, bib tag timing, overall male and female winners.

The day features a post-race party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the party is free, featuring a cash bar, pizza, DJ and activities for children at the American Legion Hall at 97th and Kedzie. (The party is for runners/walkers and their families only.)

Last year, March4Meg presented its first check for $30,000 to Advocate Christ Medical Center, officially opening the Meg Moonan Endowment for Melanoma Research.

For more information about Meg Moonan, the 5K Run/Walk, or the endowment fund, visit the March4Meg website.