Ed and Amy McNicholas To Be Honored at Little Company of Mary Hospital Crystal Heart Ball

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- A Beverly couple who’ve used the death of their precious son as a galvanizing call to help other parents of children diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer will be honored at Little Company of Mary Hospital Foundation’s upcoming Crystal Heart Ball on Saturday, Feb. 4, at The Field Museum.

Each year the ball showcases individuals and organizations for their outstanding accomplishments and service. This year, the hospital will present the Venerable Mary Potter Humanitarian Award to Ed and Amy McNicholas -- Live Like John Foundation. The McNicholases were selected as best embodying the ideas, vision and mission of Mary Potter, who founded the Little Company of Mary Sisters in 1877.

On March 31, 2010, Ed and Amy’s 15-year-old son, John, woke up complaining of a headache focused over one eye. Before he could even finish explaining the pain, John began vomiting on the bathroom floor. In the emergency room, their worst fears were confirmed: A brain tumor. Ed and Amy went into fight mode with the mission to save their son. Unfortunately, John passed away on January 7, 2011, only 10 months from his diagnosis.

Today, it has been Ed and Amy’s mission to raise awareness and change the experience for those who follow them down this unimaginable path by offering guidance and resources to those families who are forced to endure the same journey they endured. They strive to offer comfort, peace, empathy and, ultimately, a cure.

The way John McNicholas lived his life to the fullest and faced his illness with courage and grace has inspired many to “Live Like John,” which led Ed and Amy to start the non-profit organization John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor (Live Like John) Foundation. The Live Like John Foundation is involved in several local fundraising events each year, including: Annual Softball Tournament, Beverly Hills Turkey Trot, Go Gray in May, Dizzy Dinger Challenge, and a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Fundraiser, to name just a few.

Ed and Amy’s mission is to work toward advancements in both the care and treatment of pediatric brain tumor patients by facilitating coordination of information between patients and providers, improving the quality of life for patients and funding specifically targeted pediatric brain tumor research and treatment options to achieve their ultimate goal: the eradication of pediatric brain tumors.

Proceeds from the 2017 Crystal Heart Ball will benefit the Behavioral Health Department at Little Company of Mary Hospital.

A cash drawing will be offered at the event with a First Prize Luxury Vacation to the Galapagos Islands for Two ($15,000 value), Second Prize of $5,000, Third Prize of $2,500, and Fourth Prize of $1,000. Raffle tickets are on sale for $100 each in the hospital’s Foundation department and winners need not be present. The Crystal Heart Ball tickets are $350 per person. Guests also may purchase a Diamond Table for $10,000, a Heart of Gold Table for $6,500 or a Crystal Heart Table for $3,500, each offering unique benefits.

To learn more or to purchase your event tickets, please contact Little Company of Mary’s Foundation department at 708.229.5447 or visit the Little Company of Mary Foundation website.

Photo: Ed and Amy McNicholas