Teen Tears Up Talking about Relay for Life Inspiration

Like many young people, 14-year-old Bailey McGrath has spent some time making friendship bracelets by hand. But her recent work wasn't destined for her friend's wrists.

McGrath, who lives in Steger and attends Bloom Trail High School, had to come up with a new way to raise money for her latest effort. The bracelets fit the bill and let her take the pressure off her neighbors.

"I didn't knock on people's doors this year because all my neighbors know me and all of my fundraising," McGrath said. "I gave them a break."

McGrath raised about $700 for Relay for Life of Chicago Heights with the bracelets and a generous donation from the local Lion's Club. The event was held on Friday and McGrath joined members of team Forever Fighters, who in total raised more than $1,000, in laps around the Marian Catholic High School track.

This year's relay had 28 registered teams and raised more than $20,000 going into Friday's event.

Many who attend Relay for Life walks often do so because someone close was diagnosed with cancer.

For McGrath, that inspiration is her 7th-grade teacher, who passed away after a battle with cancer.

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