‘Enough is Enough:’ Relay Team Fights Back Against Cancer

Wendy Proulx is no stranger to the Relay For Life.

After taking part in five of the American Cancer Society events in Michigan, she decided to launch a team for last year’s relay.

“I had hoped to get a few people from my church, , to join me, but instead was overwhelmed by the number of people who had been touched by cancer and wanted to join me,” Proulx said.

Proulx herself has been touched by the disease.

“My mom is an 8-year breast cancer survivor, my aunt has nearly 10 years and I lost my grandpa to cancer,” she said.

Now, she and her fellow members of team Praying for a Cure are fighting back.

This year, 29 members signed on to the team. With one day to go before the event, they’ve already surpassed their $15,000 fundraising goal by more than $2,000.

The group has held restaurant fundraisers, a benefit concert and even a “Glamour Day,” but most of the money has come from personal donations, Proulx said.

The team will continue to raise money for cancer research at the relay itself, set to kick off with an opening ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday at , 12005 S. 248th Ave.

“We will be having a fun photo backdrop and props where people or teams can come and take pictures for a donation,” Proulx said.

The June 9 Relay For Life of Plainfield will include a 6 p.m. survivors’ lap and 9 p.m. luminaria ceremony. Participants will walk the track through the night, because cancer never sleeps.

“It is an incredible event that everyone should experience,” Proulx said “You don't have to be on a team or have raised a dollar to be impacted by Relay For Life. It is a time to come together to celebrate those who have so bravely fought cancer.

“Whether they won or lost that fight, they showed amazing courage and strength and I think everyone should take this time to stand together and say we honor you,” Proulx said. “And to say to cancer that enough is enough!”

Click here for more information on Plainfield’s Relay For Life. To make a donation to team Praying for a Cure, visit the team page.