It’s summer in Illinois. The air is thick with humidity & the electric humming of cicadas in the late afternoon. A giant black swallowtail flutters from one coneflower to the next and lies briefly on my six-year-old daughter’s outstretched hands. She smiles at me, knowingly. You see, it is another sign that she has an angel.
In the summer of 2007, our dear friend Aaron Marcel Libby drowned in a tragic accident at the age of three. It seemed impossible, then and now, a little boy so overflowing with life and energy could be taken from us so quickly. Loss and grief can really only be learned the hard way. Some people become numb, some become angry or shut down, the Libby family decided to make a difference for children who were suffering. They started “SHINE” – The AML Foundation in honor of Aaron, who loved the stars and whose shining smile could light up a room. The mission of the Foundation is to honor the spirit and memory of Aaron by raising funds that will be dedicated to child focused charities.
Every year in September the Foundation holds its big fundraising event – “SHINE” – The AML Foundation 5k run/walk. It starts at the Lombard Log Cabin in Four Seasons Park (16th & Main Street) and stretches along a beautiful course around the Park and surrounding neighborhood. In its 3rd year the event continues to grow in attendance due to the rolling hills for those that like a slight challenge and the focus on it being a family event, with strollers being a welcomed fixture on the course and the “I Do It” Kids Dash. Katia Libby, President of “SHINE” – the AML Foundation states, “this isn’t about the money, it’s about what the money allows us to do for kids. Through the money that is raised we are able to assist other families that grieve over the loss of a loved one and help kids with health issues. We invite our neighbors and their families to join us for a wonderful morning filled with inspiration and the celebration of children.”
This year’s event will be held on Sunday, September 12th. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the run/walk starts at 9 a.m. The fee is $25 on Race Day, $20 if pre-registered – can be done online at www.shineaml.org. Kids 12 & under are free. Families with strollers are welcome. Following the 5k, in the spirit of Aaron, is the “I Do It” Kids Dash, Award Ceremony & Raffle Prizes.
The funds raised by the Foundation go to benefit Camp Erin, a free weekend long bereavement camp for children ages 6-17 who have lost a loved one and also to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a one of a kind health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to children’s health. States Ed Libby, President of “SHINE” – The AML Foundation, “We have an amazing staff of volunteers to make the 5k walk/run so successful. Because of them generously donating their time and the wonderful sponsors for the event, 100% of the funds raised benefit Camp Erin and Shriners.”
The Moyer Foundation, established by Karen and Jamie Moyer, pichter of the Philly’s, who founded Camp Erin, has a goal to establish a camp in all major cities across the country. The generous donation given by Ed & Katia Libby and “SHINE” – The AML Foundation helped the Moyer Foundation establish and fund the first Camp Erin Chicago in 2009, helping local children find their smiles again.
Aaron shines on for those of us who knew him. You can see it in the faces of anyone who shares a memory or story of him or in the smile of his brother, Edan. Through the work of the Foundation, Aaron’s life shines on strangers now too who may find hope on the other side of pain.
For more information on participating in the event or signing up to volunteer, e-mail info@shine.org or visit www.shineaml.org.
Written By, Leanne James
