HOBOKEN – Hoboken resident Jen Dockendorf is heading to her native-Chicago this weekend to participate in the “Hustle Up the Hancock” fund-raiser in honor of her father who passed away from lung cancer in 2008.
In tribute to her father, Chuck, for the past three years Dockendorf has attended the 94-stair climb of the iconic John Hancock Observatory. Chuck was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2008 and died three months later at age 66.
Every year over 4,000 people make the climb to raise funds for lung disease research, education, and advocacy. A form of lung disease has touched the majority of the participants in one way or another, according to the Respiratory Health Association that runs the event.
“The thing that struck when [he was diagnosed] and still stays with me is how it affects not only the individual in such a horrible way, but the family as well,” Dockendorf told The Hoboken Reporter earlier this week.
Dockendorf – who lives with her 3-year-old son – will lead “Charlie’s Turtles” at the event on Sunday, Feb. 28.
The name is partly inspired by Chuck and Dockendorf’s Aunt Kathy, who was nicknamed “Turtle” and passed away from a heart attack in 2012.
Dockendorf independently aims to raise $2,000 and thus far has $1,250 from online donations. The entire team’s fund-raising goal is $5,000. To donate visit www.lungchicago.org/jendockendorf. People can donate even after the run.
For a full story on Dockendorf visit www.hudsonreporter.com this weekend or pick up a copy of The Hoboken Reporter locally. – Steven Rodas
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