As Mom Of Young Girls Battles Cancer, Local Businesses Step Up

LOCKPORT, IL — Several businesses in the south and southwest suburbs are working to support a local mother who is battling an aggressive cancer, and her three daughters.

Elizabeth Curtner, 34, of Tinley Park, was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in June, her sister, Robin Curtner told Patch. At that appointment, Elizabeth was told she had no more than a year to live.

Elizabeth went through the most aggressive treatments, but the cancer continued to spread, Robin said. Now, just four months later, Elizabeth is on hospice. She has three daughters, ages 6, 4 and six months old.

Elizabeth's older sister, Robin, owns Magical Marketing in Lockport, and has been working with several local businesses to help gather support for her sister.

"As oldest siblings, we typically feel we have to take care of our sisters and brothers, and protect them. Sadly, I couldn't protect her from this awful, awful cancer," Robin said.

"I can't put into words the pain my family and I feel, but I will do everything Bethy wanted and do everything for those girls."

After a difficult pregnancy, Elizabeth continued to have extreme pain, Robin said. She had surgery and a biopsy, which came back with the result of her rare, aggressive cancer.

Local businesses in towns including Lemont, Homer Glen, Frankfort, New Lenox, Lockport and Tinley Park have planned several fundraisers for the young mother of three. Robin said proceeds from the fundraisers go to a fund the was set up by Elizabeth herself, to go toward her three girls.

Robin said that throughout the entire process since Elizabeth has been diagnosed, her sister has only cared about her daughters.

"Bethy has cared and worried about one thing, her girls. Not herself or her well-being at all. I've never seen a stronger person."

Upcoming fundraisers include:

• Oct. 3-4, Nicky's in Lockport will donate 10 percent back to Elizabeth. You must mention the event, or show on your phone.
• Oct. 9, The Scoop in Tinley Park will donate 10 percent back to Elizabeth
• Oct. 10, Krave Restaurant Bolingbrook will donate 10 percent back to Elizabeth
• Oct. 28, Mama D's in Lemont will donate 20 percent of all sales during the event
• Through Oct. 15, at Rich's Pizza in Frankfort. Mention the fundraiser, and the restaurant will give back 10 percent.

Wooden Paddle Restaurant in Lemont, Next Mex in Lemont, Hughie McClafferty's in Lemont, Raffy's in New Lenox and Frankfort, The Phoenix Kitchen and Cocktails in Homer Glen, and the Creamery in Lemont have also held fundraisers.