The For Julie Foundation will hold its 10^th Annual "Friday for Julie" Walk in Orland Park on July 27, 2012 to raise funds that will assist in the battle against leukemia and other blood cancers. The walk is held in memory of Julianne Doody, a 13-year old Orland Park girl who lost her battle only 97 days after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in 2002. Friday For Julie will take place at the Orland Park Civic Center at 14750 S. Ravinia Ave.

The event begins with a balloon launch at 6:45 p.m. in memory of those who have lost their battle with blood cancers and continues with a two-mile walk in support of survivors and those who are still battling blood cancers. Pizza, refreshments, raffles, a silent auction and entertainment will be offered after the walk until 11:00 p.m. On-site registration and sign-in starts at 6:00 p.m.

Founded in 2002 by Julianne’s family, the For Julie Foundation contributes grants to innovative research projects that can help eradicate leukemia and other life threatening blood cancer diseases. The organization has partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as well as with Julie’s uncle, Dr. Daniel Doody, a professor at Harvard Medical School, to help identify research projects. The funds raised through the organization are also given directly to families who are struggling with the exorbitant costs often associated with fighting blood cancers.

The For Julie Foundation is run completely by volunteers who are passionate about finding a cure for leukemia and other blood cancers. This ensures that the maximum amount of money raised goes toward the foundation’s goal of eliminating leukemia and blood cancers as a major cause of death in children in the United States. As a result, the organization has raised more than $1 million since its debut in 2002.

"Every year, we are able to keep our daughter’s memory alive and touch more people impacted by blood cancers with the Friday For Julie Walk," said Mary Doody, Director of the Board for the For Julie Foundation. "We are so grateful for the time and dedication of our volunteers and contributors – with their support, we will find a cure!"

The Friday for Julie Walk is usually held near Julie’s birthday, a time that brings the family happy memories of their beloved daughter. Participants can register online at http://www.forjulie.org/events/registration.html by July 20th. The registration fee is a minimum suggested donation of $25.00 for adults, which includes an event t-shirt. Children seven and under may attend for free.

About the For Julie Foundation

The For Julie Foundation is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization committed to raising funds to assist in the battle against leukemia and other blood cancers. The Foundation was established in memory of Julianne Doody, a 13-year-old girl who died in 2002, less than 14 weeks after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. Staffed 100 percent by volunteers, all funds raised are distributed to innovative research projects and used as financial assistance to families burdened with the exorbitant costs of fighting cancer. Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has raised more than $1,000,000, awarded $700,000 in research grants and helped more than 85 families to date. 

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.　

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.