2022 Patch Stories That Inspired, Moved Readers

TINLEY PARK, IL — Whew. It's been a long year. Deep breath.

We've shared what feels like many—probably too many—tears and tough moments on your local Patch sites. There's been shock and outrage, empathy and compassion. At times when things felt so dark, our Patch readers swooped in, supporting so many of their own community members.

It's been amazing to watch, inspiring and rewarding to report. As we head into 2023, let's take a moment and highlight some instances where I've felt moved by being your Patch editor.

In triumph, you celebrated.

In tragedy, you rose.

In need, you helped.

To the residents of the towns in my Patch beat—Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Forest, Homewood-Flossmoor, Chicago Heights, and New Lenox—thank you.

Looking forward to a fresh year as your editor. I know we have so many more stories to tell together.

Let's take a look back at some of the most compelling stories from across the beat:

New Lenox Family Mourns Death Of Husband, Father After Freak Accident

A heartbreaking story of a father taken too soon and under terrible circumstances, this story stirred the hearts of hundreds of thousands—not only in the south suburbs, but across the country. Aaron LaMore, 45, died following a fall from a hatchback he was riding in to help his 12-year-old daughter with a Girl Scout food drive. We watched as, with shares on social media and additional subsequent coverage from outlets such as The Today Show and Yahoo Sports, the GoFundMe climbed well past $50,000.

You came through, in a big way.

'It's A Nightmare:' Wife Grieves Husband, Father of 4 Killed In Crash

When a 33-year-old father of four was killed in a crash in October, his family's lives were changed immeasurably. Husband to his high school sweetheart, Zack Kulak was on his way to work that October evening, and his family was awaiting his later arrival in Michigan, for a trip to the apple orchard and other fun. His widow's deep love and grief—"I don’t think I’ve ever had a nightmare that has been this horrific," she said—broke hearts all over. Within hours, a GoFundMe to support Kulak's wife and their children soared into six figures.

There you were again.

Oak Forest Woman Who Helped Save 400 Animals This Year Needs New Van

A longtime Oak Forest resident whose heart for animals has taken her all over the state — and even to surrounding ones — to bring rescued animals to safety was in need of a new van to continue her efforts. A volunteer who is also unable to maintain a full-time job due to health limitations, a new van to replace her dilapidated one seemed out of reach. We shared her story on Patch, and a GoFundMe that'd had minimal support prior, cruised to more than $17,000.

You! You did that!

Motorcycle Crash Victim In Fight To Save Leg

Remember the one about the mother of twins who was fighting to save her leg following being struck by a drunk driver while she was riding on the back of her husband's motorcycle? Following the accident in May 2022, Autumn Majeski spent weeks in the ICU, away from her children as she healed and required multiple surgeries to save her leg. Her "work family" at Marcotte's Bar and Grill in Oak Forest had been collecting extra tips and donations on her behalf, then creating a GoFundMe to enhance their efforts. Quickly, nearly $20,000 flooded in.

You guys again! Has anyone told you lately you're amazing?

'It's Quiet Here Without Him:' Family Mourns Toddler Son Who Drowned

They say a parent should never have to bury their child, but for Alan Wedgbury and his partner Laura Gronsky, that was something they were forced to endure. The pair—whose son Jack drowned just months before turning 3 years old—shared their devastating story with Patch. During a tragic turn of events on an outing to the family lakehouse, Jack Wedgbury ventured too far down the dock and too close to the water, just out of adults' sight, and fell in. The regret was heavy, his dad said, adding, "The thought went through my head to put a life jacket on him, but it was a fall day, it was cool, he had his fall jacket on. ... No matter if they like it or not, put the life jacket on them. I should have just made him wear the life jacket, whether he hated me or not."

The loss was staggering, his mother said.

"I've been telling everybody, just hold your babies, keep them safe, make sure they have a life jacket at all cost," she said. "Strap it to their arm so they can carry it. This should have never happened. .... Everybody just needs to hold their babies because nobody should ever feel like this."

A GoFundMe raised $8,000 for the family.

You were at it yet again.

Nearly 1,000 Gather To Honor Oak Forest Shooting Victims, Families

After a man killed his wife, her two children, and himself, their community gathered, aglow by candlelight, to remember the victims. In the dark that September night, rows of nearly 1,000 people lit by candles staggered deep around the Oak Forest gazebo—a sight that put a lump in many throats.

You were there—for them, and each other.

But it wasn't only tragedy that moved you this year. Some brighter news stories kept you reading, and caring for your fellow residents.

Inseparable Duo Named Sandburg High School Homecoming King and Queen

You met Timmy and Selena, two seniors in high school who have spent their journey through Special Ed together, and have become the very best of friends. The purest of bonds, the two campaigned together to be homecoming king and queen, and it's as though you were all there that night they took the field to be crowned.

'An Easy Decision:' One Devoted Local Dad Donates Liver To Another

Two families connected by a suburban school district shared a moment few will ever experience. One donated part of his liver to another. Both fathers, the donor—a then-35-year-old father of two—wanted to do his part to ensure that the recipient—a 52-year-old father of three—would be given more time with his kids.

An 'Angel In the Car' As Tinley Teen Saved Lives of Mom, Many Others

The heroic acts of then-15-year-old, unlicensed driver Reaghan Monaghan amazed many, when it was revealed the teen had leapt into action to save the lives of her mother, herself, and others on the roadway. Monaghan was in the passenger seat when her mother suffered a seizure while driving. Monaghan moved quickly to maneuver into the passenger seat, get the car off the road, and avoid almost-certain disaster.

Tinley Teen Who Saved Mom Gifted A Car On Drew Barrymore Show

Speaking of Reaghan Monaghan, you really loved when her bravery was rewarded with a free car, courtesy of an appearance on the Drew Barrymore Show, and a local car dealership.

Other stories that had an impact this year:

• Orland Park Family's Dog That Escaped During Storm Found Safe
• Cop's Fatal Shots Were 'Difficult, But Necessary': Flossmoor Chief
• 'They Robbed My Children': Wife Of Slain 'Funnel Cake Man'
• Oak Forest Native Lands Career Of Her Dreams
• H-F High School Student Alleges Sexual Assault By Another: Police
• Ladders Out, Lights Up To Delight Frankfort Girl Fighting Cancer

Thank you for a memorable first few months back on the editor job, readers. Eyes up to 2023; I look forward to another year at the helm of this very remarkable beat.