Jerry Marlin, of Niles, is a longtime volunteer of the Bowl for the Cure event in Niles. This year’s event will take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Feb. 21 at Joey Armadillo’s Bowling Alley, located at 2732 S. 11th St. All proceeds go to help fight breast cancer with the local Susan G Komen for the Cure Foundation. Those who register before Feb. 1 can get in for $20 and receive a T-shirt.

Q: What do you do for Bowl for the Cure?

I help get people to register and explain to them why it is important to support the event. It helps provide free mammograms and the money stays in the local area. It is pretty interesting some of the people we’ve met that have either known someone who has had breast cancer or have had breast cancer themselves. It is really shocking just how many people get it.

On the day of the event, I help make sure all the stations are set up right and that people get registered. I also help answer any questions people might have. There are a lot of things that have to be done really and a lot of people help. The main thing I do is just make sure everything is running smoothly.

 

Q: How long have you been volunteering at the event?

I was around for the first one so this will be the ninth year. My wife, Chris, is the event coordinator. She read an article on breast cancer and said she thought she could do something like this. I said, ‘let’s do it. I will support you.’

The first year was just a few of us starting it, but since then everyone has come on board and it’s just ballooned. I’d say we get between 250 and 400 people that participate in this event.

 

Q: Why is it important to you?

It’s important to me because it gives people the opportunity to help save lives and their own lives. There are a number of people we’ve known since this has happened that have beat cancer. There are others who have died, but the majority are the ones who are beating cancer itself.

 

Q: What is your favorite part about the event?

My favorite part is the smile on everybody’s faces, especially the survivors. They know they are not alone out there and that they have help and people who support them.

Anyone that wants to come and try to help us we won’t turn you away. They can come to the bowling alley and let them know they want to help, whether it is through a donation or the time they want to put into it.

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her by contacting Craig Haupert, community editor, at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com, or (269) 687-7720.