Amber's Army Aids Evergreen Park's Christmas Without Cancer's 5K

Amber’s Army will pursue an extraordinary 5K Walk/Run this month to honor the memory of Amber Woodworth, a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and radiation technologist at Advocate Christ Medical Center who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer on Valentine’s Day and died six months later, August 16, 2018.

Over fifty strong and only a month later, Amber’s Army stepped up and out in Christmas Without Cancer’s annual 5K in 2018 in tribute to Amber; Amber’s Army returned in 2019. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they will support the cause again this year.

Amber would be proud of those she left behind to “make the best of a bad situation.”

In extraordinary gestures of love, Amber’s husband Ron’s mother, Bev, moved into the home to help care for her four grandsons Nolan, 7, Easton, 6, and three-year old twins Jameson and Maddox. Comfort also arrived from Ron’s dad, Woody, with his brothers--Steve, Ian, and Dylan—and Amber’s family, mom and dad, Patty and Al, sisters Kim and Yvonne, and brother, Allen.

Amber lived life to the fullest. She was very athletic: she played softball, loved to fish, and in high school at Shepard in Palos Heights, she was a cheerleader, softball player, and student council member. She had a giving heart. She would always be there to help a friend or family member. Prior to her years as a radiation technologist, Amber enjoyed helping children as a speech language pathologist assistant in the Joliet school district. As a rad tech, she led the department’s annual Adopt-a-Family Christmas drive.

Of all her talents and passions, her greatest was being a mom.

“Amber was very dedicated to her boys and always put them first,” said Kim. “She lived her life to the fullest, and she wanted the same for all of her boys, her sons, her husband, and her brothers. She helped them be the best they could be.”

This was especially true with Jameson who was born with a rare chromosome disorder causing physical and mental disabilities and needing lifelong special care.

“Amber was Jameson’s protector and the fiercest advocate for her son, for all her boys. She wouldn’t allow for anything less than the best for them.”

Despite her admirable “stubborn nature” Amber, “the one who stood up for everyone else” couldn’t defend herself from Thymic Carcinoma.

“I’m so truly grateful to have family members who loved Amber so much they are setting aside their lives to keep us whole,” said Amber’s husband Ron. “And I’m so honored for the friends and family who show up every year to honor Amber’s memory for Christmas Without Cancer.”

Despite the social distancing challenges, many family members and friends have pledged to come together to honor Amber’s life and support CWC’s cause. Close friend Kelly Haggerty is helping organize a group from Advocate Christ to once again join the Army.

“Grandma” Bev walked the previous two 5K events, but as caretaker for four boys, she’s not taking any chances during the pandemic. Despite her absence, her heart will be with the group as they complete the 5K together.

“Amber’s Army epitomizes the mission of Christmas Without Cancer – to bring a family closer during time of strife and help them find peace in each other,” said Christmas Without Cancer vice president Renee Copeland. “The O’Connors and Woodworths and their extended circle of friends’ participation each year allow us to fund resources for more families in Amber’s name and memory.”

The Oak Forest mother with extended family in Alsip and Worth and deeper roots in Mount Greenwood will be remembered in action Sunday, September 20, 2020 at the Prairie Junior High walking path off Kostner in Alsip as Amber’s Army gathers together (but with distance) to complete an “on your honor” 5K to “to pay it forward” for other families threatened by cancer and in need of emotional and financial assistance.

“Amber would be honored to see us helping CWC in her name,” said Kim.
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The 6th Annual Christmas Without Cancer’s 5K has a few mileposts to hit:
· 50 Sponsors – businesses and families are welcome
· 1,000 participants
· Enough monies raised to help hundreds of local families fighting cancer
· For more information visit: www.christmaswithoutcancer.org
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