Minooka residents paint the town teal for ovarian cancer awareness

Members from Minooka’s St. Mary’s parish decided to paint the town this week.

The parishioners took part in this year’s “Paint the Town Teal: Raise Awareness of Ovarian Cancer” event on Tuesday, placing ribbons throughout the village, including teal ribbons on light posts and signs along Mondamin Street and Ridge Road.

This year’s effort had a particularly close connection to the women who participated. Parishioner Jillian Munsell, 18, of Morris was diagnosed with the disease in January.

Luckily for the group, Munsell was able to join the ribbon-tying effort. Munsell said she was excited to join the women in order to promote awareness.

A recent Morris Community High School graduate, she currently is undergoing treatment. Munsell said she saw the teal ribbons on posts last year, but she now she has a different understanding of their significance.

On Tuesday, the Minooka Village Board recognized the effort.

“Grundy County does a great job of raising awareness,” Village Administrator Dan Duffy said. “It’s a pretty big effort and we just want to mention to the folks out there that when they see them around town, that’s what it’s about.”

“They do a pretty good job,” Village President Pat Brennan added. “They do it every year, and we’re thankful for them.”