New Lenox woman commits to Relay For Life after cancer diagnosis

NEW LENOX – Let’s form a 100-member team for Relay for Life and raise $20,000.

Not the uttering of most newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, but for Jacqueline Rosinski, 57, of New Lenox, a longtime key volunteer for the American Cancer Society Frankfort Mokena Relay For Life, it was a chance to step up her service.

“I didn’t want to just cry and be depressed,” Rosinski said. “I just wanted to help people.”

Rosinski was true to her word – and then some. Her “Save the Rack” team (so named because Rosinski’s husband and three daughters love to hunt) has more than 100 members. To date, the team has sold $500 worth of rubber bracelets, 227 T-shirts and raised $91 at a garage sale.

“Team members that raise $100 get a free shirt,” Rosinski said.

From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 11, team members will seek donations outside Walmart at 501 E. Lincoln Highway in New Lenox, Rosinski said. She is also trying to obtain some corporate sponsors.

Why all the enthusiasm for the American Cancer Society? Many years ago, when Rosinski’s mother Clara Samborski was battling lung cancer, the American Cancer Society provided many services to Samborski, including transportation, all free, Rosinski said.

“To me, it was a great comfort for our family. It made a difference in our lives,” Rosinski said. “Once I was able to talk about my mom without crying, I wanted to help back in some way.”

The opportunity arrived seven years ago when Rosinski began working a company now known as Presence Health. That company had an American Cancer Society Relay For Life team. Rosinski thought, “Wow, this is the organization that us. Maybe I can now help them.”

So she participated on a team and then organized teams and finally attended special training to chair the event. Rosinski’s enthusiasm echoed her love for the health care field, in imitation of Samborski, who was the former manager of central supplies at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago, as well as part-time caterer, mother of five children and Rosinski’s role model.

“She never stopped,” Rosinski said. “She always moved forward and was positive. She’d say, ‘No matter what you want in your life, you’ll have to work hard, but you can do it.’ She encouraged me to never give up.”

In December, Rosinksi had her annual mammogram. She had to return for a diagnostic mammogram with an ultrasound. Following that was a biopsy and then a bilateral mastectomy March 11.

Rosinski was scheduled to return to work March 22 but post-surgery, painful muscle spasms delayed her plans. Then her first round of chemotherapy began March 25. That caused severe stomach upset, necessitating a six-day hospitalization. Round two began May 16 and brought more of the same, Rosinksi said. She hopes to return to work by June.

For now, Rosinski is looking forward to successfully completing four more rounds of chemotherapy. To make those treatments bearable, Rosinski is soaking up loving support from her family: husband and soul mate Ron M. Rosinski; son Mark M. Milton, of Lockport; Mark’s fiancé, Amanda Brander, of Lockport; and daughters Amber, 21, Kristina, 19, and Kassandra, 19, all of New Lenox.

“Each day is a new challenge, but I look at it this way,” Rosinksi said. “Twenty years ago, they would not be able to do the things they do now. People are surviving breast cancer and I’m hoping I will, too.”

While Rosinski is waiting for her wig to arrive and learning to tie scarves, her daughters are busy helping their mother organize their “Save the Rack” team. They’ve always participated with Rosinski, but this year’s efforts are especially poignant now that their mother has joined the breast cancer ranks.

Amber said it’s sad seeing so many people battle cancer. Kristina said it’s important to make sure people are aware of that fact because victims depend on the community’s support of events such as Relay for Life.

“It’s a very emotional time for us,” Kassandra said. “We’re just working hard and sticking together.”

IF YOU GO
What: Relay For Life of Frankfort Mokena
When: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. June 13 and June 14
Where: Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort
Contact: 708-633-7770 ext. 233 or www.relayforlife.org/frankfortmokenail

KNOW MORE

Myra Kocsis, a Relay For Life specialist, said the American Cancer Society offers many free programs to support cancer victims.

• For women, these include free wigs, wig boutiques and “Look Good, Feel Better” sessions where women work with licensed cosmetologists to learn how to use their wigs, apply makeup to complement their skin tone and create eyebrows.

“It helps make women feel good about themselves,” Kocsis said.

• The “Road to Recovery” program offers transportation to doctor and treatment appointments for cancer victims, Kocsis. Drivers are dedicated volunteers that use their own vehicles and their own gas.

“All they [patients] need to do is call and we will arrange the transportation,” Kocsis said.

• A 24-hour patient navigation service is available so cancer patients and their families can call with their questions and concerns anytime day or night, Kocsis said. That phone number is 1-800-227-2345.

• The American Cancer Society also presents programs for both elementary and junior high school students, Kocsis said. These focus on sun safety, nutrition and physical exercise.

For more information, call 708-633-7771.