NAPERVILLE – Will County residents will have the opportunity to help save lives this weekend.

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is teaming up with State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) to host a “Be the Match Registry Drive” on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Offices of Wheatland Township, located at 4232 Tower Ct. in Naperville.

Be the Match is a national organization that helps potential bone marrow donors enroll in a registry to help people in need of lifesaving transplants.

“You never know the positive impact you can make on someone’s life,” Loughran Cappel said. “I urge residents to take time out of their Saturday to stop by and register to see if they can help someone who is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.”

For the safety of patients, the organization can only accept registrants between the ages of 18 and 40. The organization has facilitated more than 105,000 blood stem cell transplants, and 6,467 transplants last year.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, each year, approximately 18,000 people up to age 75 in the United States are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses where a bone marrow transplant from a related or unrelated matched donor is the best treatment option. More than 70% of patients who need a transplant do not have a fully-matched donor in their family.

Bone marrow transplants are used for patients with illnesses such as Hodgkin lymphoma, acute myelogenous leukemia, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, severe aplastic anemia, sickle cell disease, Krabbe disease, Hurler syndrome and many others.

The registration process consists of a series of questions regarding medical history to see if interested participants meet basic qualifications. If they meet the basic qualifications, potential donors would be asked to swab their cheek to provide a sample of their DNA which would then be added to the registry for potential matching with a patient.

Loughran Cappel urges interested people who are unable to attend to consider ordering a swab kit by visiting https://my.bethematch.org/wheatlandcares. Residents with questions and concerns can also reach out to her office at (815) 267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is inviting Romeoville residents to attend her October Coffee and Conversation event on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

“The best part of my job is listening to and receiving feedback from area residents,” Loughran Cappel said. “Our goal is to ensure we are constantly accessible and available to constituents throughout the 49th District.”

The outdoor event will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. at the O’Hara Woods Pavilion located at 524 Belmont Dr. in Romeoville.

This is the second Coffee and Conversation Loughran Cappel has hosted this fall. This is another effort from Loughran Cappel’s office to increase government accountability and accessibly by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will and Kendall Counties.

“Our office strives to be easily available to folks throughout the district,” Loughran Cappel said. “If you need assistance or would like to share your concerns on state and local matters, please attend this event or call our office. We believe government works best when we are in constant communication with area residents.” 

The event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Plainfield office at (815) 267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

PLAINFIELD – To celebrate and honor those who served our country, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood), State Representative Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant will partner with local stakeholders to host a veteran breakfast event ahead of the Veterans Day holiday.

“Those who put their lives on hold in service of something greater than themselves deserve our thanks and praise,” Loughran Cappel said. “This event serves as a small token of appreciation for our local heroes, helps them connect with others who have served, and gives them an opportunity to learn more about different government programs and services that are available to assist them.”

The event will take place Friday, Oct. 22 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Plainfield American Legion Marne Post 13 outdoor pavilion at 24741 Renwick Road. Food will be provided by Plainfield-based Nabby’s Restaurant and Catering.

Loughran Cappel, Bertino-Tarrant, Manley and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Terry Prince are set to address those in attendance.

“I am honored to continue on this tradition and join area lawmakers in honoring our brave men and women who have worked tirelessly to protect our freedom and democracy,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “As Veterans Day approaches, a small way we can show appreciation for the veterans in our lives is by inviting them to join us at this event.”

To accommodate all guests, registration is required for this event. To register, veterans can call Loughran Cappel’s office at (815) 267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com. 

"With the many sacrifices they have made to keep us safe, it is critical that we are giving back to our veterans," said Manley. "I am proud to stand with other community leaders to show our gratitude to those who served. I look forward to working in Springfield to ensure our veterans get the support they deserve."

PLAINFIELD – Local residents are invited to attend a pet expo hosted by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood), State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and the Plainfield Park District.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to bring their pets and have fun while learning about how to best take care of their furry family members,” Loughran Cappel said. “It will be a fun and educational day for families and their pets.”

The expo is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 9 at Clow Stephens Dog Park, 16676 S. Lily Cache Road, Plainfield, IL, and is free to attend.

Families are encouraged to come and bring their pets for an array of photo opportunities, training demonstrations, and other activities. Balloon animals and temporary tattoos and body glitter will be available for kids, and many local pet businesses will have booths with unique pet products for purchase. Free boxed lunches will also be provided for the first 100 people in attendance.

“Pets are part of our families, too,” Connor said. “This is a fun and family-friendly opportunity for community members to bring their furry friends out to return some of the love they so unconditionally offer us.”

More information is available from Senator Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or Senator Connor’s office at 815-207-4445.