...and this is why
2024
Milena Acquaviva
Giovanna (Gianna or Joanne) was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma in April of this year, where she was admitted to the hospital. She fought so very hard and showed what strength truly meant. On September 14th she lost her battle. She was only 53 years old.
She left behind her loving husband Paolo (49), Sabrina (25), Giovanni (23) Milena (13).
Milena just turned 13 at the end of October. She is our “little sunshine”. She truly cares so much about others. She has a heart of gold and is just so kind. Our mom always said she’s the glue that holds our family together and it’s been proven to be very true during the past 6-7 months of our mom being extremely ill and passing away.
Giovanna (Gianna or Joanne) was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma in April of this year, where she was admitted to the hospital. She fought so very hard and showed what strength truly meant. On September 14th she lost her battle. She was only 53 years old.
She left behind her loving husband Paolo (49), Sabrina (25), Giovanni (23) Milena (13).
Milena just turned 13 at the end of October. She is our “little sunshine”. She truly cares so much about others. She has a heart of gold and is just so kind. Our mom always said she’s the glue that holds our family together and it’s been proven to be very true during the past 6-7 months of our mom being extremely ill and passing away.
The Specht Family
Lauren, Charlie, and Elizabeth Specht lost their husband and father, Bryan, to suicide in October. Bryan was a passionate member of the Elmhurst football community and dedicated his time to causes surrounding the prevention of child abuse. Bryan loved nothing more than watching his children play sports, taking his wife to dinner, or meeting at Doc’s with a friend. Bryan lost his fight with mental illness but his years with his family were filled with love, peace, and light.
Lauren, Charlie, and Elizabeth Specht lost their husband and father, Bryan, to suicide in October. Bryan was a passionate member of the Elmhurst football community and dedicated his time to causes surrounding the prevention of child abuse. Bryan loved nothing more than watching his children play sports, taking his wife to dinner, or meeting at Doc’s with a friend. Bryan lost his fight with mental illness but his years with his family were filled with love, peace, and light.
2023
The Ericksen Family
Kimberly Ericksen suffered a seizure in May 2022 which led to the diagnosis of a rare brain cancer, glioblastoma. She has been fighting this terminal disease with radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and additional medication, leaving her unable to work consistently. Kim and her husband Kent, live in Kimberly’s childhood home in Elmhurst with their son, Matthew, an 8th grader at Sandburg and daughter, Tori, a junior at York. Kent has taken leave from work to care for Kimberly as medical bills are mounting. Kimberly has been surrounded by her amazing family and friend support system, “Kimberly’s Army” but needs financial assistance for medical bills, household bills and daily living expenses.
From her husband Kent:
“We have weathered 2022 so far but I am fearful for 2023. The good news is that Kimberly has a good family, good friends and is loved my so many.”
Sadly, Kimberly lost her fight October 28, 2023 and we be fondly remembered.
Kimberly Ericksen suffered a seizure in May 2022 which led to the diagnosis of a rare brain cancer, glioblastoma. She has been fighting this terminal disease with radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and additional medication, leaving her unable to work consistently. Kim and her husband Kent, live in Kimberly’s childhood home in Elmhurst with their son, Matthew, an 8th grader at Sandburg and daughter, Tori, a junior at York. Kent has taken leave from work to care for Kimberly as medical bills are mounting. Kimberly has been surrounded by her amazing family and friend support system, “Kimberly’s Army” but needs financial assistance for medical bills, household bills and daily living expenses.
From her husband Kent:
“We have weathered 2022 so far but I am fearful for 2023. The good news is that Kimberly has a good family, good friends and is loved my so many.”
Sadly, Kimberly lost her fight October 28, 2023 and we be fondly remembered.
The Vorel Family
Taylor (26), Lauren (24) and Kendall (21) lost their mother, Patti, to triple negative metastatic breast cancer in August of 2021 followed six months later by losing their dad, Mark, to a battle with a benign ogliodendroglioma brain tumor he fought for years. Taylor has a graduate degree from Midwestern University and is set to marry this fall. Lauren works for Disney Corp remotely. Kendall is finishing her senior year at the University of Iowa, commuting home most weekends to be with her sisters in their family home. Together the girls have been running the household themselves, paying the mortgage, bills, and college tuition while the house has slowly been deteriorating and are in need of financial assistance.
From a friend who nominated them:
“My wish is that the girls can continue living in their home for at least a few more years until Kendall graduates from college and all three girls are working full-time and are financially stable to live on their own. Right now they are paying a mortgage, utilities, taxes and all bills relating to the house. In addition they are paying living expenses such as food, clothing, car payments, gas, health insurance, etc.”
Taylor (26), Lauren (24) and Kendall (21) lost their mother, Patti, to triple negative metastatic breast cancer in August of 2021 followed six months later by losing their dad, Mark, to a battle with a benign ogliodendroglioma brain tumor he fought for years. Taylor has a graduate degree from Midwestern University and is set to marry this fall. Lauren works for Disney Corp remotely. Kendall is finishing her senior year at the University of Iowa, commuting home most weekends to be with her sisters in their family home. Together the girls have been running the household themselves, paying the mortgage, bills, and college tuition while the house has slowly been deteriorating and are in need of financial assistance.
From a friend who nominated them:
“My wish is that the girls can continue living in their home for at least a few more years until Kendall graduates from college and all three girls are working full-time and are financially stable to live on their own. Right now they are paying a mortgage, utilities, taxes and all bills relating to the house. In addition they are paying living expenses such as food, clothing, car payments, gas, health insurance, etc.”
2022
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The Lanoue Family
In March 2016 Vanitha was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer and then followed with a new diagnosis of breast cancer in 2018. She fought bravely with multiple recurrences of disease and received a stem cell replacement in September 2020 to battle Leukemia. On July 9th, 2021, she lost her battle with cancer and passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Her children and family were her life. She fought bravely with all that she had to make sure she was able to enjoy every moment with her friends and loved ones to the very end. She leaves behind her Husband Matthew of 21 years marriage and her children Sameera (12) and Alexander (11). She was resident of Elmhurst since 2004. She was very active in the community volunteering for numerous activities at Emerson Elementary and was heavily involved with her daughters Hockey program as well as sons football program (Elmhurst Chiefs and Elmhurst Bears). Her infectious smile and personality will be greatly missed by all that knew her. |
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Kevin Larson
Kevin Larson has lived in Elmhurst since 1969. Over that time, he has been a good friend to so many, from the halls of Jefferson school, Visitation, and York, to Elmhurst's many neighborhoods and businesses. Kevin is known for his humor, quick wit, and consistent and dependable kindness to everyone he encounters. He has spent the last 30 years working on his craft of refinishing furniture and kitchen cabinets with his small business, Furniture Facelift. Kevin had been experiencing pain and various symptoms, and in May, he was finally treated and then he was diagnosed in July with Stage IV Bladder cancer, which is aggressive and invasive. The tumors on his spine and the aggressive chemotherapy treatment he has been receiving have made it impossible for him to work. Therefore, he has had a total loss of income. He has been a true inspiration and he has been determined to fight his cancer with everything he has. He has never lost his kindness and humor. |
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The Woolfe Family Julie Woolfe was an amazing mom to 5 beautiful unbelievable children. She was witty, quick with a jab but with the biggest heart. She recently lost her battle with stage 4 colon cancer but it wasn’t without a huge fight. Her friends and family will miss her immensely, but we will remember her in our hearts. |
2021
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻It’s Year Ten and we are changing things up! We told you we had big news ... Meet our ***4*** BENEFICIARY FAMILIES FOR 2021!!! Yes...4. Four Elmhurst families who need love and financial support. And we are here, along with our loyal No Frills family to lift them up. Meet Tom, Hope, Amy and Janeen!!! Let's go No Frills 2021!🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
#4foryear10 #nofrillsfunrun #doepicshit #nofrills
Meet 2021 No Frills Beneficiary #1 (in no particular order): Tom Morissette 💕
Tom is an adult with Down Syndrome who was recently diagnosed with Multiple Mylenoma (a type of blood cancer) this fall. He is kind hearted and loves to interact with people, especially his extended family, during this pandemic. He loves to bowl. When you ask Tom how he is, he replies, “I’m HAPPY!”
Tom is currently receiving aquatic and physical therapy, but due to budget restraints from Medicare, Medicaid and his insurance, he has limited visits covered. The therapy decreases his pain and allows him to be more alert. Tom’s current prescription is for 20 visits but he exceeded his insurance coverage after only 10. With winter approaching, receiving enough physical exercise for his strength and wellbeing will be a challenge.
Tom’s caregiver is his 83-year-old mother Lynne who has Bell’s Palsy and suffered a stroke and heart surgery this fall. They are in need of financial support for medical bills, their mortgage, therapies, and daily living expenses.
Sadly Tom lost his battle to cancer on December 12, 2022. He will always remain in our hearts and forever a part of the No Frills family.
#4foryear10 #nofrillsfunrun #doepicshit #nofrills
Meet 2021 No Frills Beneficiary #1 (in no particular order): Tom Morissette 💕
Tom is an adult with Down Syndrome who was recently diagnosed with Multiple Mylenoma (a type of blood cancer) this fall. He is kind hearted and loves to interact with people, especially his extended family, during this pandemic. He loves to bowl. When you ask Tom how he is, he replies, “I’m HAPPY!”
Tom is currently receiving aquatic and physical therapy, but due to budget restraints from Medicare, Medicaid and his insurance, he has limited visits covered. The therapy decreases his pain and allows him to be more alert. Tom’s current prescription is for 20 visits but he exceeded his insurance coverage after only 10. With winter approaching, receiving enough physical exercise for his strength and wellbeing will be a challenge.
Tom’s caregiver is his 83-year-old mother Lynne who has Bell’s Palsy and suffered a stroke and heart surgery this fall. They are in need of financial support for medical bills, their mortgage, therapies, and daily living expenses.
Sadly Tom lost his battle to cancer on December 12, 2022. He will always remain in our hearts and forever a part of the No Frills family.
Meet No Frills 2021 Beneficiary #2...Hope Jendreas💕
Here is her story, provided by her Dad, Jeff:
Hope was born on Valentine’s day 2005, arriving early at just 26 weeks old. After spending several months in the NICU due to a Grade 4 intraventricular hemorrhage (stroke). She had an 800,000:1 chance of ever leaving the NICU alive but she made it. After enduring several spinal taps to keep the damage at a minimum she was transferred to the pediatric neurology unit at Comer Children’s Hospital. From April to October of 2005, she had several shunt replacements and a case of fungal meningitis. In October 2005, she was admitted back into the hospital for seizures. She required constant care and medication to keep the seizures and side effects at a minimum. Through the years, many trips were made to the hospital, via helicopter and even ambulance from her seizures, some of which lasted as long as seven hours, intermittently. Other visits to the hospital have been for follow up appointments, therapies, shunt revisions, surgeries, and pneumonia.
Today Hope is a nonverbal 15-year-old sophomore at York High School. She is a quadriplegic and wheelchair bound, facing a probable spinal surgery. She relies on a cough assist machine, pulse oximeter and oxygen. She enjoys swimming, walks, hot dogs and watching SpongeBob and Dora on television.
Here is her story, provided by her Dad, Jeff:
Hope was born on Valentine’s day 2005, arriving early at just 26 weeks old. After spending several months in the NICU due to a Grade 4 intraventricular hemorrhage (stroke). She had an 800,000:1 chance of ever leaving the NICU alive but she made it. After enduring several spinal taps to keep the damage at a minimum she was transferred to the pediatric neurology unit at Comer Children’s Hospital. From April to October of 2005, she had several shunt replacements and a case of fungal meningitis. In October 2005, she was admitted back into the hospital for seizures. She required constant care and medication to keep the seizures and side effects at a minimum. Through the years, many trips were made to the hospital, via helicopter and even ambulance from her seizures, some of which lasted as long as seven hours, intermittently. Other visits to the hospital have been for follow up appointments, therapies, shunt revisions, surgeries, and pneumonia.
Today Hope is a nonverbal 15-year-old sophomore at York High School. She is a quadriplegic and wheelchair bound, facing a probable spinal surgery. She relies on a cough assist machine, pulse oximeter and oxygen. She enjoys swimming, walks, hot dogs and watching SpongeBob and Dora on television.
Meet Beneficiary # 3...Amy Lewicki 💕
Here is Amy’s story, in her own words:
In February of 2017, when my husband and I were hoping to grow our family, I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has already metastasized to the liver. This news was devastating to my family, especially since we had a 1 1/2 year old daughter who I was afraid of not being there for to see her grow up. I immediately started chemotherapy for three months, and then had a liver and colon resection. This was followed by three more months of chemotherapy. After this, in December 2017, I thought I was in remission.
Unfortunately, in February 2018 the cancer returned in the liver, and has since spread to my lungs and bone. I have had nearly 40 rounds of chemotherapy and additional surgeries since then.
Most recently, in March of 2020, I participated in an immunotherapy clinical trial through Northwestern in Chicago. I was on this trial for four months, until receiving news that it was not working, and in fact the cancer had spread. This led me to resume chemotherapy, as well as receiving some new treatment options to help with my liver.
I was working during my treatments as an Academic Counselor, up until October 2018 when the university I worked for closed. Since then, I have been a stay at home mom as I go through treatments. My daughter is now 5 and is in kindergarten (doing e-learning). I am fortunate to have such a wonderful, supportive husband, beautiful daughter and a fabulous network of family & friends.
I’ve been at Elmhurst Hospital since Monday, 1/18. I’m having a minor surgery this week to have 2 new stents put in, and possibly another drain, to help with both my jaundice and Ascites issues. Hoping all goes well and if this goes well, I should be going home (again) soon. Love to all my Amy’s Army members (who are of course all of you who have posted on my page and send such amazing messages and support)! I’m so lucky to have so many people cheering, praying, and rooting me on. Trust me - I FEEL the LOVE!
Amy lost her battle on March 24, 2021. Mike, Emma and all of "Amy's Warriors" will forever be a part of the No Frills Family.
Here is Amy’s story, in her own words:
In February of 2017, when my husband and I were hoping to grow our family, I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has already metastasized to the liver. This news was devastating to my family, especially since we had a 1 1/2 year old daughter who I was afraid of not being there for to see her grow up. I immediately started chemotherapy for three months, and then had a liver and colon resection. This was followed by three more months of chemotherapy. After this, in December 2017, I thought I was in remission.
Unfortunately, in February 2018 the cancer returned in the liver, and has since spread to my lungs and bone. I have had nearly 40 rounds of chemotherapy and additional surgeries since then.
Most recently, in March of 2020, I participated in an immunotherapy clinical trial through Northwestern in Chicago. I was on this trial for four months, until receiving news that it was not working, and in fact the cancer had spread. This led me to resume chemotherapy, as well as receiving some new treatment options to help with my liver.
I was working during my treatments as an Academic Counselor, up until October 2018 when the university I worked for closed. Since then, I have been a stay at home mom as I go through treatments. My daughter is now 5 and is in kindergarten (doing e-learning). I am fortunate to have such a wonderful, supportive husband, beautiful daughter and a fabulous network of family & friends.
I’ve been at Elmhurst Hospital since Monday, 1/18. I’m having a minor surgery this week to have 2 new stents put in, and possibly another drain, to help with both my jaundice and Ascites issues. Hoping all goes well and if this goes well, I should be going home (again) soon. Love to all my Amy’s Army members (who are of course all of you who have posted on my page and send such amazing messages and support)! I’m so lucky to have so many people cheering, praying, and rooting me on. Trust me - I FEEL the LOVE!
Amy lost her battle on March 24, 2021. Mike, Emma and all of "Amy's Warriors" will forever be a part of the No Frills Family.
Meet No Frills Beneficiary #4, Janeen Hanselman💕
Janeen’s story, written by her Mom:
I’d like to tell you about our daughter Janeen (Witowski) Hanselman, our first child and only daughter. She is a daughter any parent can only dream of having. She is kind, thoughtful, intelligent, brave and a loving mother to 12 year old twins. She is the first to step in whenever someone needs help or a listening ear. When she had heard that a friend and her children were anticipating sad holidays, Janeen immediately organized a fundraiser to provide Christmas gifts, clothing, toys and monetary donations for the family. Now it is her time to ask for help.
Our daughter was born with congenital issues involving her liver and underwent a major surgery at 6 years of age. Her health truly began to deteriorate within the last few years and she has been unable to work or care for her sons as needed. Between March and September of 2020 alone, she has had 7 hospitalizations including time spent in ICU. Now at the age of 47, she is in desperate need of a liver transplant from a live donor.
And from Janeen:
Because I am a strong, proud woman that doesn’t like to ask for help – in any way. I hate the looks of pity I may get – because I am NOT fragile. I AM capable. And I will do whatever it takes to make everyone around me believe I don’t NEED anything or anyone. But, I’ve lied. I’ve lied to all of you. Not in the traditional sense. But I withhold the truth when you ask “Are you ok?”, or “Is there anything that I can do?”.
Now I don’t have a choice. Now I HAVE to ask. I need ALL of your help. I need to guarantee that I am here for the long haul for my boys. I NEED to see them in their sports. I NEED to see them get their driver’s licenses. I NEED to see them have girlfriends, graduate, see the men they grow up to be. I NEED to see their weddings, who they become, what kind of Dads they are when their children are born. So, now I will ask. I AM asking. I am begging you to help make that happen.
1/24/21 - An update from Janeen
Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you an update after my transplant. But first, I want to say thanks to my living donor. I never would have survived without her. I know I will never be able to repay her in any suitable way. She is truly a miracle, my angel, and my hero all in one! Next, I’d like to thank everyone for the outputting and overwhelming amount of support, prayers, good thoughts, and generosity. I couldn’t do it without you either! (Ok, this is starting to sound an awful lot like an acceptance speech…)
So, after 54 staples, 15 HR surgery, 2 drains, my liver transplant – priceless. There’s no amount of words or emotions that adequately address either, or the steadiness if the surgeons hands, the tireless teams working with each of us. All I can say is thank you and thank God. I am determined to pay it forward after recovery. And until then, comes the hard part. Pushing myself harder than I have ever. I will be sore, I’ll want to quit, but I won’t. That’s the only way I can give back right now…
Janeen’s story, written by her Mom:
I’d like to tell you about our daughter Janeen (Witowski) Hanselman, our first child and only daughter. She is a daughter any parent can only dream of having. She is kind, thoughtful, intelligent, brave and a loving mother to 12 year old twins. She is the first to step in whenever someone needs help or a listening ear. When she had heard that a friend and her children were anticipating sad holidays, Janeen immediately organized a fundraiser to provide Christmas gifts, clothing, toys and monetary donations for the family. Now it is her time to ask for help.
Our daughter was born with congenital issues involving her liver and underwent a major surgery at 6 years of age. Her health truly began to deteriorate within the last few years and she has been unable to work or care for her sons as needed. Between March and September of 2020 alone, she has had 7 hospitalizations including time spent in ICU. Now at the age of 47, she is in desperate need of a liver transplant from a live donor.
And from Janeen:
Because I am a strong, proud woman that doesn’t like to ask for help – in any way. I hate the looks of pity I may get – because I am NOT fragile. I AM capable. And I will do whatever it takes to make everyone around me believe I don’t NEED anything or anyone. But, I’ve lied. I’ve lied to all of you. Not in the traditional sense. But I withhold the truth when you ask “Are you ok?”, or “Is there anything that I can do?”.
Now I don’t have a choice. Now I HAVE to ask. I need ALL of your help. I need to guarantee that I am here for the long haul for my boys. I NEED to see them in their sports. I NEED to see them get their driver’s licenses. I NEED to see them have girlfriends, graduate, see the men they grow up to be. I NEED to see their weddings, who they become, what kind of Dads they are when their children are born. So, now I will ask. I AM asking. I am begging you to help make that happen.
1/24/21 - An update from Janeen
Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you an update after my transplant. But first, I want to say thanks to my living donor. I never would have survived without her. I know I will never be able to repay her in any suitable way. She is truly a miracle, my angel, and my hero all in one! Next, I’d like to thank everyone for the outputting and overwhelming amount of support, prayers, good thoughts, and generosity. I couldn’t do it without you either! (Ok, this is starting to sound an awful lot like an acceptance speech…)
So, after 54 staples, 15 HR surgery, 2 drains, my liver transplant – priceless. There’s no amount of words or emotions that adequately address either, or the steadiness if the surgeons hands, the tireless teams working with each of us. All I can say is thank you and thank God. I am determined to pay it forward after recovery. And until then, comes the hard part. Pushing myself harder than I have ever. I will be sore, I’ll want to quit, but I won’t. That’s the only way I can give back right now…
2020
Meet Caleb Kapsalis and his mom Cadden. Caleb is a 5th grade student at Edison Elementary living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic muscle wasting disease that leaves him unable to use his arms and legs. It also affects his heart and lung function. Caleb lost the ability to walk in October 2018. Caleb currently lives in a rental home that is not wheelchair accessible, so Cadden carries her 90 lb. son on her back up and down the stairs.
Caleb now uses a breathing machine, has a power chair for mobility, requires a handicap accessible van for transportation and wears leg braces each night. Caleb's mom Cadden is a Catholic school teacher and has to hire caretakers to get Caleb off to school. "Caleb loves LEGO sets, playing games on the iPad, watching videos on YouTube, and movies on Netflix and cable. He derives great joy from his cat, Casper, who entertains him with silly cat antics. One thing Caleb can do is use cat toys to inspire Casper to jump, flip, hide, and climb; all the things Caleb can't do. But, his sense of humor and joy are infectious as he navigates a life without ambulation." – Cadden, Caleb's Mom
Caleb now uses a breathing machine, has a power chair for mobility, requires a handicap accessible van for transportation and wears leg braces each night. Caleb's mom Cadden is a Catholic school teacher and has to hire caretakers to get Caleb off to school. "Caleb loves LEGO sets, playing games on the iPad, watching videos on YouTube, and movies on Netflix and cable. He derives great joy from his cat, Casper, who entertains him with silly cat antics. One thing Caleb can do is use cat toys to inspire Casper to jump, flip, hide, and climb; all the things Caleb can't do. But, his sense of humor and joy are infectious as he navigates a life without ambulation." – Cadden, Caleb's Mom
2019
Andy Hamblin, a lifelong Elmhurst resident, loved living in this town along with his wife Kelly and his two boys, Brandon 20, (York graduate) and Matthew 11, (6th grader at Churchville). In 2009, Andy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Andy courageously battled this cancer and was considered in remission. In January 2015 during a routine health insurance screening, the Hamblin’s received some bad news. After months of doctor’s appointments and tests, Andy was diagnosed with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of a very rare cancer. Because of his previous battle with cancer, Andy and his family always had faith and hope that he would once again overcome the odds and beat cancer a second time. After countless chemo treatments, surgery attempts, and experimental treatments Andy passed away in his home on February 1st, 2018. Andy’s family and friends meant everything to him. He was an amazing father, husband, and friend and words cannot describe how much he is missed.
2018
Meet the Greves family! Ray Greve loved being a police officer to support his wife Julie, who enjoys working for the Park Ridge Park District, and his three daughters Alexis, 15 (York), Paige, 13 (Churchville), and Lyla, 7 (Emerson). Ray also worked part-time at Elmhurst College as a Security Officer. Ray was diagnosed with Esophageal cancer in October 2015. Ray showed great strength, courage and determination while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Even while undergoing treatment, Ray continued to work both jobs. Ray thought he had beaten the cancer, but on October 9th of this year, found out the cancer had moved into his liver. He passed away two weeks later on October 23rd. Ray was an amazing father, friend, husband and officer and is missed everyday.
2017
Meet Matt Toole. He has been courageously battling ALS for the last few years with the love and support of his wife, Karen and their two children, Regan, 14 and Paddy, 13. Matt needs 24-hour care, yet remains optimistic despite the fact that he cannot use his arms or legs. "I can still talk, swallow and breathe," Toole said. "Faith is a big part of it." Despite his faith and optimism, the cost of equipment and caregiving is astronomical and insurance doesn't cover caregiving expenses.
2016
Daryl May
Meet Daryl May, an Elmhurst resident who has battled Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow cancer) for several years. Although the stem cell transplant was a success and he is making progress in his fight, he continues to need extensive medical care. As a lifelong athlete, and given his prior cancer treatment, Darryl knows well the commitment required to win this battle and faces this challenge with grace and tenacity. He is a one-time cancer survivor already, having beat testicular cancer 14 years ago and joyfully celebrated five-years cancer free in 2006 by qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon. Unfortunately though, a new cancer diagnosis surfaced in the form of multiple myeloma in 2009. At the time of his nominations, Daryl was undergoing re-staging following his third (and first donor) stem cell transplant, triple-organ failure and graft versus host cell rejection issues. As he moves into the unknown world of long-term disability after prolonged years of incurring medical expenses, No Frills Fun Run and its caring participants provide encouragement and hope. --> Click to read more about Daryl.
2015 Marshall Bell
Meet Marshall Bell, a student at Lincoln Elementary in Elmhurst who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age 6. Duchenne is a genetic disorder that deteriorates the muscular tissue. Despite Marshall's physical challenges he has an amazing disposition. He has many friends, is a great student, loves sports and always wears a smile. --> Click to read more about Marshall.
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2014 Kira Spedale
Meet Kira Spedale, a 12 year old triplet and student at Visitation School. Kira battled a brain tumor known as DIPG for 17 months. Sadly, Kira lost her battle to DIPG but she showed us what it meant to be fearless in the face of life’s challenges, how to be happy and positive, and how to always have hope. She is loved and will always be in the hearts of the No Frills runners and friends. --> Click to read more about Kira.
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