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Community Corner

Five Seasons Burr Ridge Supports Local Woman in Breast Cancer Battle

In support of a local woman who is fighting breast cancer for the second time, a variety of fundraising initiatives are under way at Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Burr Ridge.

The effort on behalf of Carol Otto of Indian Head Park coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. After previously being treated for breast cancer shortly before Christmas 2008, Otto was healthy for nearly five years before cancer returned this July.

Otto, a Burr Ridge native, is not a member of the club and said she found Five Seasons’ rallying for her benefit “overwhelmingly generous.”

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“I really appreciate it,” Otto said. “I was shocked when I heard that they were going to do this.”

After receiving her second cancer diagnosis in mid-July, Otto underwent a double mastectomy in August and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. She is expected to be out of work until at least late January.

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A centerpiece of Five Seasons’ support for her is Rally for the Cure, in which individuals receive donations based on their tennis play. That event will be Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the club, 6901 S. Madison. As of Friday, Tim Troiano, the club’s tennis director, said 12 people have gathered pledges—donors can give a flat fee or a per-ball amount for the longest rally of the participant.

To support that cause, the first 40 people who sign up receive a free set of Wilson PINK string. The club is also rewarding the two people who solicit the most donors with $50 gift cards.

Meanwhile, among other activities at Five Seasons, the Kids’ Club, serving young children of club members, will be donating all proceeds from a tie-dye event to the cause.  Children will decorate headbands as the club provides tie-dye supplies to those seeking to contribute.

The club is always looking for ways to support organizations and individuals in the community, said Robert Diamond, the Chief Club Officer at Five Seasons Burr Ridge.

"There are some great national organizations that do a lot of very good work to combat breast cancer," Diamond said. "But being able to focus our efforts to make a difference for a local individual like Carol--this is such a great opportunity to make a real impact. We are honored to be able to do our part in helping her and her family during this difficult time."

Five Seasons’ donation will be made at a Saturday, November 9th fundraiser, Carol’s Cancer Benefit, at Kenny’s Irish Pub, 917 W. 55th St. in Countryside. The event is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with features including $75 raffle tickets that cover dinner (beer and wine included), musical entertainment, as well as the chance to win gifts, gift certificates and two 2-for-1 vacation getaways.

For more information about the fundraising, please contact Five Seasons at 630-570-5200 or Otto’s daughter, Olivia Orrico, at 708-305-2334. Five Seasons is online at www.facebook.com/FiveSeasonsBurrRidge.

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