Breathe Deep Event Attracts Over 1,000

More than 1,000 people raised over $100,000 to fight lung cancer as part of a event Sunday by walking laps around the track and running a 5K race Sunday.

After weeks of organizing and raising money, Sunday was more about fellowship and remembering.

“It's a way to honor them," Adrian Rattner of Wilmette said. She lost her father and husband to the disease and came to walk with her daughter, Jennifer Rattner. "There's a great feeling of everybody being together for a good cause."

Carol Roseman of Glenview was there with a group of half a dozen friends and family to raise awareness of lung cancer. A good friend volunteers for the group and they all came to show support. “We’re here to do our part,” she said.

Event organizer Sue Bersh of Deerfield has been touched. She has been working for a long time to bring the event together with its speeches, balloon launch, walk and remembrance.

“I can’t tell you how good it makes me feel to live in a community where everyone has been so involved,” Bersh said. “I grew up here.”