Latest news with #IllinoisMarathon
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon helps hundreds learn Hands-Only CPR
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Around 200 people used test dummies to practice chest compressions at Memorial Stadium on Friday during the Christie Clinic Race Weekend. For the proper Hands-Only CPR technique, you clench your hands together and press down until you hear a click which signals you've gone down far enough to actually get blood pumping. Now, because of the training, hundreds will be ready to step in during life-threatening scenarios. Champaign Co. Children's Advocacy Center holds open house for Child Abuse Awareness Month 'We saw a need to bring attention to Hands-Only CPR for those that are out on the course,' said Medical Director Lynn Ullestad. If you're at the Illinois Marathon on Saturday, you might see someone wearing a yellow bib. It means they've been trained in Hands-Only CPR. 'We hope no one ever has to use it,' Ullestad said. 'But if there's a need, we want people to know what to do.' It's lead by the American Heart Association. More than 40 volunteers taught the basic technique and made sure they were able to demonstrate the movement effectively. 'Push hard, push fast,' Ullestad said. 'That's the immediate lesson here.' Alida de Flamingh is running the 10K for the first time. She heard about the class from an email the race sent out and was moved by the story of Rafael Ruggeri: A doctor who had a heart attack on the course but was saved by his son through Hands-Only CPR. Best Buddies Friendship Walk making a difference in Champaign '[If] I'm in a situation like that, I want to be able to help save somebody's life,' de Flamingh said. The training was open to anyone, not just racers. The Fighting Illini women's soccer team dropped in through their head coach's unique connection. 'My wife works for Stryker who's a big sponsor of the event,' said Head Women's Soccer Coach Katie Hultin. 'We're pretty passionate about it in our house.' Hultin said Hands-Only CPR is great for their sport because of how much they run. But it's also helpful off the pitch, with hundreds coming to visit for camps and recruiting, not to mention everyday life. 'I'm moving my family here,' Hultin said. 'I've got 30 athletes that live in this community as well, and to know that all of these people are taking time out of their day to learn this skill that hopefully they never have to use, but if they do, they're going to be prepared.' The American Heart Association employee who was running the training said someone who took this training in February has already saved someone's life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
U of I professor running in Boston Marathon to raise money for cancer research
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A University of Illinois professor is trying stomp out cancer by raising money through the Boston Marathon. It's a good cause, and its one that he also has a personal connection to. Brendan Harley was diagnosed with leukemia in high school. He was treated at Dana-Farber hospital in Boston, which is where the money he raises will go. The U of I professor said this is truly a full-circle moment. Bakelab hosting 3rd Latte Art Throwdown event in Champaign 'I was a patient 30 years ago,' Harley said. 'I was on the other side of this where I was a kid sitting in the hospital waiting for a cure.' And now, Harley is raising money for people who are in similar situations. 'I've been a runner since high school,' Harley said. 'I ran on the cross-country team and track team, and since finishing college, [this] has been my primary way of getting out and taking care of my body. ' Harley's ran about 15 marathons since he's started, including the Illinois Marathon here in Champaign. However, this one is special. 'The opportunity to run in support of cancer research, and specifically with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is really a personal endeavor for me,' Harley said. As a junior in high school, he was diagnosed with leukemia and treated by a hospital in the Dana-Farber system in Boston. U of I hosting 42nd Annual Insect Fear Film Festival 'And this is the 30-year anniversary of the bone marrow transplant that saved my life,' Harley said. To celebrate, he's running in the Boston Marathon in April to help support cancer research. Harley also works for the university, developing methods to stop the spread of cancer and cure it. He sees this as a great way to combine two things he loves. 'This is a great chance for me to give back, for me to do something I'm passionate about, which is running,' Harley said. 'And to do it in a manner to raise money for one of the premier cancer research institutes in the country and to make it possible for us to invent the new cures for tomorrow.' This is a once in a lifetime opportunity he plans to soak in. 'I think finishing a marathon is always emotional,' Harley said. 'I know finishing Boston will be extra special and I'm sure there'll be a lot of emotion as we get towards the end. Thinking about the experience of being a patient and now the chance to make a difference for future patients.' Harley is shooting to raise $10,000 and is 75% of the way there so far. He has a donation link you can visit here to support the cause. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
