dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--Hundreds gather in Barrington 'to educate people' on black lives

A large crowd gathered at a Barrington park Saturday afternoon to call for an end to racial injustice and police brutality in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota .
The Black Lives Matter protest , organized by a group of Barrington teenagers , drew hundreds of people to a field at Citizens Park near Northwest Highway and Lake Zurich Road .
`` We wanted to provide a wake-up call for this community , '' said Anya Sastry , 17 , one of the organizers .
`` There is a national issue that has been going on for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country are experiencing oppression and injustice .
`` We think it is time for Barrington to be a part of the solution , '' she said .
Sastry said everyone has a role to play in advocating for the rights of others .
She said event organizers wanted to provide a platform for people to get educated `` and be aware of what 's going on in our in our country . ''
For nearly an hour and a half , the audience -- many holding signs -- heard from speakers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than eight minutes in memory of Floyd , who died May 25 while he was on the ground in handcuffs with a police officer kneeling on his neck .
`` There are protests going on all around the country , '' she said .
`` We want to educate people here . ''
During an emotional speech , the Rev .
Zina Jacque , pastor of the Community Church of Barrington , said she 's furious because it took a video for the country to believe that `` the problem my community has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she 's also furious about the lack of spending to build housing and educate children in minority communities .
But after being furious , Jacque said she wants all of us `` to be curious enough to ask how as a nation we got here . ''
`` I want you to be curious about how we walk through this time -- not at one another 's throats -- but at one another 's sides , '' she said .
The event ended with organizers suggesting policy changes they would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the co-organizers , urged everyone to do what they can to help .
`` I 'd really like them to come away with ideas of what needs to change to make our society more racially equitable , '' the 16-year-old said .

Hundreds gather in Barrington 'to educate people' on black lives
A large crowd gathered at a Barrington park Saturday afternoon to call for an end to racial injustice and police brutality in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota.
The Black Lives Matter protest, organized by a group of Barrington teenagers, drew hundreds of people to a field at Citizens Park near Northwest Highway and Lake Zurich Road.
"We wanted to provide a wake-up call for this community," said Anya Sastry, 17, one of the organizers. "There is a national issue that has been going on for decades and centuries where black individuals in this country are experiencing oppression and injustice.
"We think it is time for Barrington to be a part of the solution," she said.
Sastry said everyone has a role to play in advocating for the rights of others. She said event organizers wanted to provide a platform for people to get educated "and be aware of what's going on in our in our country."
For nearly an hour and a half, the audience -- many holding signs -- heard from speakers, chanted slogans and remained silent for more than eight minutes in memory of Floyd, who died May 25 while he was on the ground in handcuffs with a police officer kneeling on his neck.
Event co-organizer Zoe Zakson, 18, said Floyd's death was a tipping point.
"There are protests going on all around the country," she said. "We want to educate people here."
During an emotional speech, the Rev. Zina Jacque, pastor of the Community Church of Barrington, said she's furious because it took a video for the country to believe that "the problem my community has seen forever" is real.
She said she's also furious about the lack of spending to build housing and educate children in minority communities.
But after being furious, Jacque said she wants all of us "to be curious enough to ask how as a nation we got here."
"I want you to be curious about how we walk through this time -- not at one another's throats -- but at one another's sides," she said.
The event ended with organizers suggesting policy changes they would like to see happen. Abigail Bergan, one of the co-organizers, urged everyone to do what they can to help.
"I'd really like them to come away with ideas of what needs to change to make our society more racially equitable," the 16-year-old said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--Watch: Elgin police officer busts a move, and the protest audience loves it

Elgin police officer Hector Gutierrez was aching to dance at a protest rally Friday night .
Saturday he was just aching .
The 36-year-old Gutierrez was watching the protest on a Facebook Live video , heard the music playing and decided to join in .
At least a few videos of Gutierrez engaging protesters in a dance-off are going viral .
`` I have it in my blood , and I felt it , and I 'm like , this is good , I love it , '' Gutierrez said .
`` I was having a good time .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was like , this is a time for me to see if I still got it . ''
Gutierrez said he used to dance as a student at Bartlett High School .
`` To be honest with you , I was more worried about not getting hurt , '' Gutierrez said .
`` My knees were killing me , my back .
But you know what ?
The adrenaline rush , I was feeling the vibe of the people , the community . ''
`` We were just all having fun and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protester Belinda Vega , who filmed one of the videos on her cellphone .
`` Everything was just so aligned .
It was n't premeditated or anything along those lines . ''
The videos show Gutierrez and Cmdr .
Eric Echevarria in a circle with demonstrators watching a young man dance .
The dancer walks up to the officers and mimics marking a line in front of them with his foot as if to dare them to cross it .
Gutierrez turns to Echevarria and hands him his equipment vest and holster , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheers .
He holds up a finger and says , `` One city , '' then walks to the center of the circle and starts dancing .
Gutierrez said he expected to get a little razzing from his fellow officers .
Instead he got praise and requests to teach them how to dance .
`` They loved it .
They said that it was a good job and perfect timing as well , '' Gutierrez said .
Vega said the reaction to the videos has given her a good feeling as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which really touched me -- I 'm in tears right now .
And that was so powerful because she expressed that she was in tears because she was seeing something positive , '' Vega said .
Gutierrez has had similar feedback from relatives .
`` I feel like I accomplished something , '' Gutierrez said .
`` I feel like I 'm involved with the community , and that 's where I want to be . ''

Watch: Elgin police officer busts a move, and the protest audience loves it
Elgin police officer Hector Gutierrez break dances at the Elgin In Solidarity With Black Lives Matter rally Friday night in front of Elgin City Hall. courtesy of Picasso Cerrado
Elgin police officer Hector Gutierrez was aching to dance at a protest rally Friday night.
Saturday he was just aching.
The 36-year-old Gutierrez was watching the protest on a Facebook Live video, heard the music playing and decided to join in. At least a few videos of Gutierrez engaging protesters in a dance-off are going viral.
"I have it in my blood, and I felt it, and I'm like, this is good, I love it," Gutierrez said. "I was having a good time. I love the people, the environment. I was like, this is a time for me to see if I still got it."
Gutierrez said he used to dance as a student at Bartlett High School.
"To be honest with you, I was more worried about not getting hurt," Gutierrez said. "My knees were killing me, my back. But you know what? The adrenaline rush, I was feeling the vibe of the people, the community."
"We were just all having fun and then that moment happened," added protester Belinda Vega, who filmed one of the videos on her cellphone. "Everything was just so aligned. It wasn't premeditated or anything along those lines."
The videos show Gutierrez and Cmdr. Eric Echevarria in a circle with demonstrators watching a young man dance. The dancer walks up to the officers and mimics marking a line in front of them with his foot as if to dare them to cross it.
Gutierrez turns to Echevarria and hands him his equipment vest and holster, keeping his mask on as the crowd cheers. He holds up a finger and says, "One city," then walks to the center of the circle and starts dancing.
Gutierrez said he expected to get a little razzing from his fellow officers. Instead he got praise and requests to teach them how to dance.
"They loved it. They said that it was a good job and perfect timing as well," Gutierrez said.
Vega said the reaction to the videos has given her a good feeling as well.
"Someone even made a comment, which really touched me -- I'm in tears right now. And that was so powerful because she expressed that she was in tears because she was seeing something positive," Vega said.
Gutierrez has had similar feedback from relatives.
"I feel like I accomplished something," Gutierrez said. "I feel like I'm involved with the community, and that's where I want to be."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--Geneva High School graduates celebrated with drive-through ceremony

Geneva High School seniors hit the graduation stage Sunday during a drive-through ceremony at the school .
Parents drove graduates to the school 's McKinley Avenue entrance , where they were greeted by Principal Thomas Rogers and District 304 Superintendent Kent Mutchler .
Due to the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines , one student at a time stepped out of their vehicle and onto a small stage for a photograph with their diploma case .
First in line was Jackson Bergman of Geneva , who said he appreciates the effort school officials made for the graduation event .
`` It makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a way , because we still get to walk across a stage instead of not being able to walk at all , '' he said .
`` That 's the main thing I was really worried about , not walking when this whole thing happened .
I 'm going to kind of miss high school and the teachers that actually made an impact on me and just all of those fun days that I had . ''
Sunday 's program lasted six hours , with students ' arrival time determined by last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
A small crowd gathered across the street to cheer on the graduates .
Longtime cafeteria worker Nora Dennelly of Batavia clapped for each student while holding a sign and a balloon .
`` This class is amazing , they are so special , '' she said .
`` I think this recognition is everything they needed today .
I think it is something they will remember forever . ''
Dennelly described the graduating class as giving and thoughtful .
`` They really are a family '' she added .

Geneva High School seniors hit the graduation stage Sunday during a drive-through ceremony at the school.
Parents drove graduates to the school's McKinley Avenue entrance, where they were greeted by Principal Thomas Rogers and District 304 Superintendent Kent Mutchler. Due to the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, one student at a time stepped out of their vehicle and onto a small stage for a photograph with their diploma case.
First in line was Jackson Bergman of Geneva, who said he appreciates the effort school officials made for the graduation event.
"It makes us feel like it's normal, in a way, because we still get to walk across a stage instead of not being able to walk at all," he said. "That's the main thing I was really worried about, not walking when this whole thing happened. I'm going to kind of miss high school and the teachers that actually made an impact on me and just all of those fun days that I had."
Sunday's program lasted six hours, with students' arrival time determined by last name. The school has 488 graduates this year.
A small crowd gathered across the street to cheer on the graduates. Longtime cafeteria worker Nora Dennelly of Batavia clapped for each student while holding a sign and a balloon.
"This class is amazing, they are so special," she said. "I think this recognition is everything they needed today. I think it is something they will remember forever."
Dennelly described the graduating class as giving and thoughtful.
"They really are a family" she added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--'My mom was tough. COVID-19 was tougher.'

Editor ’ s note : Before becoming a stay-at-home mom , Julie N. Hanson of Arlington Heights spent 20 years as a nurse .
Her inspiration to take that career route was her mother .
Geraldine Hanson , also of Arlington Heights , spent half a century as a nurse , caring for others .
She officially retired in 2001 but still volunteered as a parish nurse .
Geraldine died May 23 , three weeks after having tested positive for COVID-19 .
This is Julie ’ s story , in her words .
My mom was a resident of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior living facility in Arlington Heights .
She and my father were in a room together until my father died in November .
My mom was physically healthy , besides having Alzheimer 's disease .
My wife and I adopted a baby from California and brought John Lagman Hanson home in January .
My mom was so excited about having a new grandson ; it was a new lease on life for her after my father died .
When the nursing home started to restrict visitors at the beginning of March for safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I no longer brought the baby .
On March 13 , when I was notified they were not going to allow any visitors on the unit , I begged the staff to bring her to the front lobby so I could explain to her myself why I would n't be visiting in person .
I gave her lots of hugs .
She said she understood -- to the best of her ability .
She had been a nurse for almost 50 years , so I just told her , `` You know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to keep the baby healthy .
I promise I will see you on the phone every day . ''
My mom had a smile as wide as the sun .
She was like sunshine on that unit .
She `` attended '' the nurses meetings with the director of nursing , because that gave her a sense of purpose and familiarity .
Every day after that the director of nursing would FaceTime her with me .
Mom was so happy to see my face and to see the baby .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which she loved .
During one of the FaceTime calls at the end of April , I told the staff she did n't look right .
They got her up and walked her and said she was just tired .
The next day , April 28 , I got a call that she was very , very sick .
I asked them to move her bed right in front of the window so that I could see her .
I visited her at her window every day .
On April 28 , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next four days it was touch and go .
We thought we were going to lose her .
On May 3 we learned she had tested positive .
It seemed like she started to get a little better .
She had n't had the horrible respiratory symptoms but rather neurological ones : fatigue , vascular changes , increased confusion .
For the next several days she seemed to rally .
She was walking a little bit more when she would see me at the window .
She was concerned that I was cold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold the baby .
It was very encouraging , and she appeared to be getting better .
At the same time I knew COVID-19 is insidious and symptoms can come back in devastating fashion .
On May 14 she had a really good day , alert and smiling at me a lot .
The next day I could see she was n't swallowing .
I was told she had n't been eating or talking much and was more lethargic .
A day later the nurse contacted hospice and they started her on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are given to people who are actively dying .
But she hung on until May 23 .
Mom had been a nurse for 45 years .
In the early '60s she had been a captain in the Air Force .
She did triage nursing during the Berlin Airlift .
She was a ray of sunshine , a loving mother and grandma .
She spread joy wherever she went .
She was so happy about having a new grandchild .
She was full of life .
She was not a statistic .
The last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother was March 13 .
For the last week , I camped outside her room ; I slept in the car and was at her window constantly .
My brother and I sang her favorite hymns to her .
I said prayers to her .
All through her window .
My wife gave her last rites through the window .
My brother in Colorado said goodbye to his mother via FaceTime .
My mom was always so worried about being alone .
I appeared at her window every day and repeated , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not alone . ''
I told the nurses and aides , `` You have to be my hands . ''
And they were .
They were amazing and gentle and loving .
They would reassure her , `` Your daughter is here , your daughter loves you , your family loves you . ''
But she could not feel my touch .
Even after she died , I could not touch her .
Out of thousands and thousands of tragedies borne out of this pandemic , this is my mother 's tragedy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lovingly touched me , who had boundless love and optimism and compassion , could not feel her daughter 's touch as she lay dying .
Geraldine Helen Hendrickson Hanson died at 86 years old .
But she had so much life left to live .

'My mom was tough. COVID-19 was tougher.'
Julie Hanson and her son visit new grandma Geraldine Hanson on her 86th birthday in January. Courtesy of Julie N. Hanson
Editor's note: Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Julie N. Hanson of Arlington Heights spent 20 years as a nurse. Her inspiration to take that career route was her mother. Geraldine Hanson, also of Arlington Heights, spent half a century as a nurse, caring for others. She officially retired in 2001 but still volunteered as a parish nurse. Geraldine died May 23, three weeks after having tested positive for COVID-19.
This is Julie's story, in her words.
My mom was a resident of the memory care unit at the Church Creek senior living facility in Arlington Heights.
She and my father were in a room together until my father died in November.
My mom was physically healthy, besides having Alzheimer's disease.
My wife and I adopted a baby from California and brought John Lagman Hanson home in January.
My mom was so excited about having a new grandson; it was a new lease on life for her after my father died.
When the nursing home started to restrict visitors at the beginning of March for safety reasons while I continued to visit her, I no longer brought the baby.
On March 13, when I was notified they were not going to allow any visitors on the unit, I begged the staff to bring her to the front lobby so I could explain to her myself why I wouldn't be visiting in person.
I gave her lots of hugs. She said she understood -- to the best of her ability.
She had been a nurse for almost 50 years, so I just told her, "You know we have to keep you healthy, we have to keep the baby healthy. I promise I will see you on the phone every day."
My mom had a smile as wide as the sun. She was like sunshine on that unit. She "attended" the nurses meetings with the director of nursing, because that gave her a sense of purpose and familiarity.
Every day after that the director of nursing would FaceTime her with me.
Mom was so happy to see my face and to see the baby. We also did visits at her window, which she loved.
During one of the FaceTime calls at the end of April, I told the staff she didn't look right. They got her up and walked her and said she was just tired.
The next day, April 28, I got a call that she was very, very sick. I asked them to move her bed right in front of the window so that I could see her. I visited her at her window every day. On April 28, they tested her for COVID-19. Over the next four days it was touch and go. We thought we were going to lose her. On May 3 we learned she had tested positive.
It seemed like she started to get a little better. She hadn't had the horrible respiratory symptoms but rather neurological ones: fatigue, vascular changes, increased confusion.
For the next several days she seemed to rally. She was walking a little bit more when she would see me at the window.
She was concerned that I was cold.
She wanted to hug me and hold the baby. It was very encouraging, and she appeared to be getting better.
At the same time I knew COVID-19 is insidious and symptoms can come back in devastating fashion.
On May 14 she had a really good day, alert and smiling at me a lot.
The next day I could see she wasn't swallowing. I was told she hadn't been eating or talking much and was more lethargic.
A day later the nurse contacted hospice and they started her on a regimen of morphine and Ativan, which are given to people who are actively dying.
But she hung on until May 23.
Mom had been a nurse for 45 years. In the early '60s she had been a captain in the Air Force. She did triage nursing during the Berlin Airlift.
She was a ray of sunshine, a loving mother and grandma. She spread joy wherever she went.
She was so happy about having a new grandchild. She was full of life.
She was not a statistic.
My mom was tough.
COVID-19 was tougher.
The last time I was able to hug my mother was March 13.
For the last week, I camped outside her room; I slept in the car and was at her window constantly.
My brother and I sang her favorite hymns to her. I said prayers to her. All through her window.
My wife gave her last rites through the window. My brother in Colorado said goodbye to his mother via FaceTime.
My mom was always so worried about being alone. I appeared at her window every day and repeated, "You're not alone. You're not alone."
I told the nurses and aides, "You have to be my hands."
And they were. They were amazing and gentle and loving.
They would reassure her, "Your daughter is here, your daughter loves you, your family loves you."
But she could not feel my touch. Even after she died, I could not touch her.
Out of thousands and thousands of tragedies borne out of this pandemic, this is my mother's tragedy. My mother, who so gently and lovingly touched me, who had boundless love and optimism and compassion, could not feel her daughter's touch as she lay dying.
Geraldine Helen Hendrickson Hanson died at 86 years old. But she had so much life left to live.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--Naperville man charged with DUI, reckless homicide in fatal head-on crash

A Naperville man faces driving under the influence and reckless homicide charges stemming from a crash Saturday that killed another @ @ @ @ @ the crash occurred about 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Royce and Lisson roads @ @ @ @ @ a silver Dodge Ram traveling west on Royce crossed into the eastbound lanes and collided @ @ @ @ @ Fiesta , killing its driver , a 41-year-old Woodridge man .
The Dodge rolled over @ @ @ @ @ a rest upside down , police said .
The Ram 's driver , Frank P. @ @ @ @ @ of Naperville , is charged with aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide , @ @ @ @ @ are pending with the Will County state 's attorney 's office , according to police @ @ @ @ @ investigation .
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any additional information is @ @ @ @ @ Traffic Unit at ( 630 ) 305-5379 .

Naperville man charged with DUI, reckless homicide in fatal head-on crash
A Naperville man faces driving under the influence and reckless homicide charges stemming from a crash Saturday that killed another driver.
Naperville police said the crash occurred about 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Royce and Lisson roads.
According to police, a silver Dodge Ram traveling west on Royce crossed into the eastbound lanes and collided head-on with a black Ford Fiesta, killing its driver, a 41-year-old Woodridge man.
The Dodge rolled over several times before coming to a rest upside down, police said. The Ram's driver, Frank P. Qualtier Jr., 54, of Naperville, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide, police said. Additional charges are pending with the Will County state's attorney's office, according to police.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any additional information is asked to contact the Naperville Traffic Unit at (630) 305-5379.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--A song to make you smile: 'Don't Stop Me Now' by Queen

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ Do n't Stop Me Now '' by Queen , released in 1978 .

A song to make you smile: 'Don't Stop Me Now' by Queen
Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, performs in Germany in 1986. Associated Press, July 1986
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen, released in 1978.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--High spirits, good will at Buffalo Grove's revised 'Pride Drive'

The enthusiasm that accompanied 2019 's inaugural Buffalo Grove Pride Parade -- evidenced by its estimated 6,000-plus attendees -- all but ensured a 2020 follow-up .
That is , until a global pandemic and a global outrage threatened to curtail the event founded by 14-year-old Molly Pinta and organized with her parents , Carolyn and Bob Pinta .
But the Pintas and their supporters persevered .
And on Sunday , a revised event organized in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and Pride Month , unfolded under sunny skies and against a rainbow-colored backdrop to the sound of dance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouts .
In April , because of the COVID-19 pandemic , the Pride Parade was re-imagined as a Pride Drive , with vehicles driving through the village past houses decorated in support of the LGBTQ community .
By May , the number of homeowners participating had burgeoned to 94 and the Pride Drive was set for June 7 .
On May 25 , George Floyd -- detained on suspicion he purchased cigarettes with a phony $ 20 bill -- was killed in police custody after Minneapolis officers pinned him to the ground and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd 's death prompted Carolyn and Molly to consider canceling the event .
`` We are full of pride , but we understand so many people are hurting , '' Carolyn Pinta said .
Instead they expanded the mission to promote awareness of social injustice .
Reaching out to a Black Lives Matter teen group , the Pintas proposed donating a portion of the proceeds to Brave Space Alliance , a Black-led , trans-led LGBTQ center on Chicago 's South Side .
Proceeds from the Pride Drive 's food drive will be split @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hills .
Participants welcomed the inclusion of Black Lives Matter , Carolyn Pinta said .
`` The thing about this time , there is so much more love than hate .
And on Nov. 3 , we 're going to see it , '' she said .
A steady stream of vehicles festooned with streamers , balloons and signs that read `` Love is Love , '' `` Closets are Made for Clothes , '' `` Black Lives Matter '' and `` We Love our BG Community '' inched their way past the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thompson Boulevard .
Crowding the sidewalks were paradegoers dressed in rainbow hues who waved rainbow flags and posed for pictures alongside drag performer Miss Flo and in front of rainbow-colored balloon sculptures .
Leslie and Scott Sakoda of Wauconda brought their infant daughter Georgia , who sported a rainbow-colored onesie .
`` We wanted to show our support , '' said Leslie Sakoda , a Buffalo Grove native .
`` It 's such a happy environment and everyone is so positive . ''
Buffalo Grove has always been a tolerant community with kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who lives near the Pinta family .
`` Everyone is welcome here , '' said the 18-year-old , who came out this year .
`` This is an amazing thing they created , '' she said .
`` It 's good for people who are struggling to come out . ''
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider , who attended the inaugural event last year , felt compelled to return .
`` We 're in an exceptional time , '' noted the Deerfield Democrat , referring to both the civil unrest and the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment to understand , listen and make changes . ''
`` In this extraordinary moment we need to unite , '' he added , citing the motto E pluribus unum .
`` Out of many , one .
We need to rise to this moment . ''

High spirits, good will at Buffalo Grove's revised 'Pride Drive'
The enthusiasm that accompanied 2019's inaugural Buffalo Grove Pride Parade -- evidenced by its estimated 6,000-plus attendees -- all but ensured a 2020 follow-up.
That is, until a global pandemic and a global outrage threatened to curtail the event founded by 14-year-old Molly Pinta and organized with her parents, Carolyn and Bob Pinta.
But the Pintas and their supporters persevered. And on Sunday, a revised event organized in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and Pride Month, unfolded under sunny skies and against a rainbow-colored backdrop to the sound of dance music, beeping car horns and gleeful shouts.
In April, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pride Parade was re-imagined as a Pride Drive, with vehicles driving through the village past houses decorated in support of the LGBTQ community. By May, the number of homeowners participating had burgeoned to 94 and the Pride Drive was set for June 7.
On May 25, George Floyd -- detained on suspicion he purchased cigarettes with a phony $20 bill -- was killed in police custody after Minneapolis officers pinned him to the ground and another officer knelt on his neck. Floyd's death prompted Carolyn and Molly to consider canceling the event.
"We are full of pride, but we understand so many people are hurting," Carolyn Pinta said.
Instead they expanded the mission to promote awareness of social injustice.
Reaching out to a Black Lives Matter teen group, the Pintas proposed donating a portion of the proceeds to Brave Space Alliance, a Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ center on Chicago's South Side. Proceeds from the Pride Drive's food drive will be split between food pantries in Wheeling and Vernon Hills.
Participants welcomed the inclusion of Black Lives Matter, Carolyn Pinta said.
"The thing about this time, there is so much more love than hate. And on Nov. 3, we're going to see it," she said.
A steady stream of vehicles festooned with streamers, balloons and signs that read "Love is Love," "Closets are Made for Clothes," "Black Lives Matter" and "We Love our BG Community" inched their way past the Pinta home in the 700 block of Thompson Boulevard. Crowding the sidewalks were paradegoers dressed in rainbow hues who waved rainbow flags and posed for pictures alongside drag performer Miss Flo and in front of rainbow-colored balloon sculptures.
Leslie and Scott Sakoda of Wauconda brought their infant daughter Georgia, who sported a rainbow-colored onesie.
"We wanted to show our support," said Leslie Sakoda, a Buffalo Grove native. "It's such a happy environment and everyone is so positive."
Buffalo Grove has always been a tolerant community with kind, accepting residents, said Natalie Gerson, who lives near the Pinta family.
"Everyone is welcome here," said the 18-year-old, who came out this year.
"This is an amazing thing they created," she said. "It's good for people who are struggling to come out."
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, who attended the inaugural event last year, felt compelled to return.
"We're in an exceptional time," noted the Deerfield Democrat, referring to both the civil unrest and the pandemic. "We have to take this moment to understand, listen and make changes."
"In this extraordinary moment we need to unite," he added, citing the motto E pluribus unum. "Out of many, one. We need to rise to this moment."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--After 20 years, Deerfields Bakery closing Schaumburg location

Deerfields Bakery has closed its Schaumburg location permanently , its owners announced Sunday morning on Facebook .
Opened in 2000 @ @ @ @ @ , the location had been closed on what initially was said to be a temporary @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have had to make a very difficult decision amongst these challenging times @ @ @ @ @ post reads .
`` It saddens us to announce that we will not be re-opening @ @ @ @ @ , we are unable to sustain operations given the current economic situation . ''
Deerfields @ @ @ @ @ locations in Buffalo Grove , which opened in 1993 , and Deerfield , the owners @ @ @ @ @ Grove location is only 20 minutes away , you can still order our custom cakes @ @ @ @ @ of our products , '' the social media post states .
`` We also deliver @ @ @ @ @ so in your area . ''

After 20 years, Deerfields Bakery closing Schaumburg location
After about 20 years of making cakes and other treats, Deerfields Bakery is closing its Schaumburg location, owners announced Sunday. Locations in Buffalo Grove and Deerfield will remain open. Daily Herald File Photo, 2011
Deerfields Bakery has closed its Schaumburg location permanently, its owners announced Sunday morning on Facebook.
Opened in 2000 at 25 S. Roselle Road, the location had been closed on what initially was said to be a temporary basis during pandemic-related stay-at-home orders.
"We have had to make a very difficult decision amongst these challenging times," Sunday's Facebook post reads. "It saddens us to announce that we will not be re-opening our Schaumburg location. Unfortunately, we are unable to sustain operations given the current economic situation."
Deerfields will continue to operate its locations in Buffalo Grove, which opened in 1993, and Deerfield, the owners announced.
"Our Buffalo Grove location is only 20 minutes away, you can still order our custom cakes and have access to all of our products," the social media post states. "We also deliver and will continue to do so in your area."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--Rozner: One name not forgotten by 2010 Blackhawks

The most stunning part of being on the ice when a team is celebrating a Stanley Cup is the discovery .
To be there three times and witness the same during each party makes it no less emotional for those with a vested interest .
There is the shock at finding out how many players were so severely injured that they might not have been able to finish the series had it gone on any longer , and then there are other surprises that simply make for good copy .
When the Blackhawks beat Philadelphia 10 years ago Tuesday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were several members of the team and front office who went out of their way to mention one man 's name : Trent Yawney .
For most Hawks fans , he 's just another of nine coaches over an 11-year stretch leading up to Joel Quenneville , but it was Yawney who spent five years as head coach in Norfolk developing players before getting the job in Chicago in 2005 , most of those years without an assistant in the AHL .
Since then , as an American League coach or as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHL defensemen than just about anyone in the league .
Sent packing unceremoniously by the Hawks , on that night in Philadelphia he was not forgotten .
Duncan Keith , who won Olympic gold for Canada , the Stanley Cup and the Norris Trophy in 2010 , went out of his way to remember Yawney .
`` Yawns was captain of the ( 1988 ) Canadian Olympic team .
He 's a hero in Canada , '' Keith said on the ice that night in Philadelphia .
`` He taught me a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all that , but really he taught me to be a man and to be a pro and I grew up with him . ''
There was a moment in Norfolk when Keith nearly went home .
Yawney would not let him make that mistake .
Now , the Hall of Fame awaits Keith .
`` I spent a lot of time with him and really he kept me in Norfolk when I was n't sure it was best , and it was the best thing for me , '' said Keith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won a Norris Trophy .
`` You think about those people when something like this is happening to you .
There 's a lot of people who help you get here .
You do n't do this on your own .
`` We 're all here tonight because of all the coaches on our team and all the teams we played on .
This is for them , too . ''
Yawney -- who played six seasons in Chicago -- was the Hawks coach for 103 games , fired in 2006 as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new NHL coming out of the 2004-05 lockout .
The free agents they signed were mostly slow and tough , while the game was trending fast and skilled .
Yawney 's final game as head coach in November 2006 featured a Dale Tallon lineup of these forwards lines : Bryan Smolinski , Tuomo Ruutu and Carl Corazzini ; Patrick Sharp , Tony Salmelainen and Radim Vrbata ; Denis Arkhipov , Martin Lapointe and Michael Holmqvist ; and Craig MacDonald , Jeff Hamilton and Karl Stewart .
On defense , there were veterans Lasse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with youngsters Brent Seabrook , Duncan Keith and James Wisniewski .
The goaltender was Brian Boucher .
His Norfolk GM was Al MacIsaac , who also worked in Rockford before joining the Hawks ' front office in 2008 .
His last head coach in Rockford was Mike Haviland , an assistant coach with the 2010 Hawks .
`` Trent and Al did a lot of work on a lot of these guys before I even got there , and to see these kids today , I do n't have the words , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You know , you feel like a proud dad when you feel like maybe you played a small role in helping them get here .
`` Trent Yawney has put a lot of players in the NHL and a lot of players owe him a lot , and I know Yawns is watching tonight and I know he feels proud , too .
It 's just really awesome to see these guys grow up into men and do what they did here , win the Stanley Cup . ''
While hardly remembered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another coaching punchline , Yawney -- now an assistant in Los Angeles -- was not forgotten the night the Hawks won the first of their three Cups , highly regarded and respected by those who played for him and those who coached with him .
It was little solace after the way he had been discarded and blamed here for all he had no control over , and he was not gifted a ring as severance the way so many ex-Cubs were after 2016 .
But it was still one of those moments @ @ @ @ @ @

Rozner: One name not forgotten by 2010 Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Kris Versteeg (32) celebrates with teammates Duncan Keith, center, and John Madden after Versteeg scored an empty net goal agaisn the San Jose Sharks during third period hockey action in Game 4 of the NHL Western Conference finals, Sunday, May 23, 2010, in Chicago. The Blackhawks won the game 4-2 and swept the series 4-0.
The most stunning part of being on the ice when a team is celebrating a Stanley Cup is the discovery.
To be there three times and witness the same during each party makes it no less emotional for those with a vested interest.
There is the shock at finding out how many players were so severely injured that they might not have been able to finish the series had it gone on any longer, and then there are other surprises that simply make for good copy.
When the Blackhawks beat Philadelphia 10 years ago Tuesday to win the 2010 Stanley Cup, there were several members of the team and front office who went out of their way to mention one man's name: Trent Yawney.
For most Hawks fans, he's just another of nine coaches over an 11-year stretch leading up to Joel Quenneville, but it was Yawney who spent five years as head coach in Norfolk developing players before getting the job in Chicago in 2005, most of those years without an assistant in the AHL.
Since then, as an American League coach or as an NHL assistant, he has produced more NHL defensemen than just about anyone in the league.
Sent packing unceremoniously by the Hawks, on that night in Philadelphia he was not forgotten.
Duncan Keith, who won Olympic gold for Canada, the Stanley Cup and the Norris Trophy in 2010, went out of his way to remember Yawney.
"Yawns was captain of the (1988) Canadian Olympic team. He's a hero in Canada," Keith said on the ice that night in Philadelphia. "He taught me a lot about hockey and how to play defense and all that, but really he taught me to be a man and to be a pro and I grew up with him."
There was a moment in Norfolk when Keith nearly went home. Yawney would not let him make that mistake. Now, the Hall of Fame awaits Keith.
"I spent a lot of time with him and really he kept me in Norfolk when I wasn't sure it was best, and it was the best thing for me," said Keith, who mentioned Yawney both times he won a Norris Trophy. "You think about those people when something like this is happening to you. There's a lot of people who help you get here. You don't do this on your own.
"We're all here tonight because of all the coaches on our team and all the teams we played on. This is for them, too."
Yawney -- who played six seasons in Chicago -- was the Hawks coach for 103 games, fired in 2006 as a scapegoat when management was unprepared for the new NHL coming out of the 2004-05 lockout. The free agents they signed were mostly slow and tough, while the game was trending fast and skilled.
Yawney's final game as head coach in November 2006 featured a Dale Tallon lineup of these forwards lines: Bryan Smolinski, Tuomo Ruutu and Carl Corazzini; Patrick Sharp, Tony Salmelainen and Radim Vrbata; Denis Arkhipov, Martin Lapointe and Michael Holmqvist; and Craig MacDonald, Jeff Hamilton and Karl Stewart.
On defense, there were veterans Lasse Kukkonen, Jim Vandermeer and Jassen Cullimore, with youngsters Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and James Wisniewski. The goaltender was Brian Boucher.
Yawney never had a chance.
His Norfolk GM was Al MacIsaac, who also worked in Rockford before joining the Hawks' front office in 2008. His last head coach in Rockford was Mike Haviland, an assistant coach with the 2010 Hawks.
"Trent and Al did a lot of work on a lot of these guys before I even got there, and to see these kids today, I don't have the words," Haviland said in Philadelphia. "You know, you feel like a proud dad when you feel like maybe you played a small role in helping them get here.
"Trent Yawney has put a lot of players in the NHL and a lot of players owe him a lot, and I know Yawns is watching tonight and I know he feels proud, too. It's just really awesome to see these guys grow up into men and do what they did here, win the Stanley Cup."
While hardly remembered in Chicago, or thought of as just another coaching punchline, Yawney -- now an assistant in Los Angeles -- was not forgotten the night the Hawks won the first of their three Cups, highly regarded and respected by those who played for him and those who coached with him.
It was little solace after the way he had been discarded and blamed here for all he had no control over, and he was not gifted a ring as severance the way so many ex-Cubs were after 2016.
But it was still one of those moments an observer could not forget.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--Arlington Heights legislators reopen office

The constituent service offices of state Rep. Mark Walker and state Sen. Ann Gillespie will reopen for appointments on Monday @ @ @ @ @ closed their joint office , located at 120 W. Eastman St. , Suite 207 , @ @ @ @ @ precaution against the spread of COVID-19 .
Going forward , visitors will be required to @ @ @ @ @ social distancing is not possible , unless they have a medical reason not to do @ @ @ @ @ gloves will be available to visitors who do not have them .
While walk-ins will @ @ @ @ @ they will be let in only if capacity is available , officials said .
For @ @ @ @ @ office can be reached at ( 847 ) 749-1137 and Gillespie 's office at ( @ @ @ @

Arlington Heights legislators reopen office
The constituent service offices of state Rep. Mark Walker and state Sen. Ann Gillespie will reopen for appointments on Monday.
The Arlington Heights Democrats closed their joint office, located at 120 W. Eastman St., Suite 207, on March 16 as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.
Going forward, visitors will be required to wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible, unless they have a medical reason not to do so. Face coverings and gloves will be available to visitors who do not have them. While walk-ins will not be turned away, they will be let in only if capacity is available, officials said.
For more information, Walker's office can be reached at (847) 749-1137 and Gillespie's office at (847) 749-1880.


Exchange scholarships granted

The Exchange Club of Naperville has awarded the 2020 Youth Scholarships to six graduating seniors from Naperville-area high schools .
@ @ @ @ @ include Katherine Kingsbury of Neuqua Valley High School , Brenna Shapiro of the Illinois Mathematics @ @ @ @ @ Cannon of Waubonsie Valley High School and Juan David Campolargo of Benet Academy .
The @ @ @ @ @ went to Janette Kazlauskas of Benet Academy , while the ACE ( Accepting the Challenge @ @ @ @ @ awarded to Claire Kubacki of Benet Academy .

Exchange scholarships granted
The Exchange Club of Naperville has awarded the 2020 Youth Scholarships to six graduating seniors from Naperville-area high schools.
Recipients of the academic scholarship include Katherine Kingsbury of Neuqua Valley High School, Brenna Shapiro of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Alexandria Cannon of Waubonsie Valley High School and Juan David Campolargo of Benet Academy. The Youth of the Year scholarship went to Janette Kazlauskas of Benet Academy, while the ACE (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Scholarship was awarded to Claire Kubacki of Benet Academy.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--Aurora Museum Week goes virtual

Aurora Museum Week goes virtual

Aurora Museum Week is going virtual .
The family-friendly week that runs from June 8 to 13 celebrating Aurora museums @ @ @ @ @ .
Participating museums will be highlighted on an assigned day of the week starting Monday @ @ @ @ @ museum will post live content , videos and activities for children and families .
SciTech @ @ @ @ @ activities on Monday , Aurora Regional Fire Museum will offer live content on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , Aurora Public Art will be highlighted on Thursday , Aurora Historical Society will @ @ @ @ @ GAR Memorial Museum will end the week on Saturday .
For details , find the @ @ @ @ @ Facebook , or visit www.auroradowntown.org .

Aurora Museum Week goes virtual
Aurora Museum Week is going virtual. The family-friendly week that runs from June 8 to 13 celebrating Aurora museums will be online this summer.
Participating museums will be highlighted on an assigned day of the week starting Monday, June 8. Each museum will post live content, videos and activities for children and families.
SciTech Hands on Museum will present activities on Monday, Aurora Regional Fire Museum will offer live content on Tuesday, Blackberry Farm will participate on Wednesday, Aurora Public Art will be highlighted on Thursday, Aurora Historical Society will offer videos on Friday and GAR Memorial Museum will end the week on Saturday.
For details, find the Virtual Museum Week event on Facebook, or visit www.auroradowntown.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--'Children can and do get this virus': How Naperville parents cared for 3-year-old triplets with COVI

Maureen Dunne found herself facing the unimaginable when her children became part of a frightening statistic .
In DuPage County , 147 kids younger than 10 have developed COVID-19 , accounting for less than 2 % of all confirmed cases .
Three of those cases are Dunne 's triplets .
The College of DuPage trustee and her husband , Brett , braced `` for a battle '' caring for not one , not two , but three sick toddlers .
Avoiding intimate contact was impossible , but the Naperville parents re-engineered family routines so they would n't catch the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sylvie and Alex , back to health .
Dunne shared her experience in hopes of helping other caregivers and as a reminder that children are n't immune to the coronavirus .
This is an edited version of a conversation conducted via email .
Q : What happened when you received the results that your children all tested positive on May 6 ?
How are they doing now ?
A : One of my biggest fears has been that either my husband or I ( or our entire family ) would become seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband and I got sick , who would take care of our COVID-19 positive children ?
What if one or more of my children were hospitalized or worse ?
When we first realized our predicament , my husband and I looked at each other and acknowledged that this situation would be tremendously , tremendously difficult for our family .
But we made a commitment to each other and to ourselves to remain calm and cautiously optimistic .
Somehow , we shifted pretty quickly into a `` Let 's get to work '' attitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At this point , we have reason to feel optimistic that everyone will beat this virus and end up 100 % healthy .
Q : What are the chances of young children catching the virus ?
A : According to the CDC , only approximately 1.7 % of all people diagnosed with COVID-19 are children under the age of 18 .
The likelihood that my household and my triplets would be affected was extremely small .
It was also highly unlikely my aunt would contract it ( and then spread it to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in such limited essential activities and took responsible precautions .
She must have been exceptionally unlucky ( a statistical outlier ) to be at the precise wrong place at the precise wrong time ( where/when she was exposed to a large enough viral load for the disease to get traction in her system ) .
But -- and this is also important -- the risk is clearly not zero .
This virus does not discriminate .
We are all vulnerable .
Children can and do get this virus .
When it affects the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statistics will be far from mind .
Q : How did you manage their care at home ?
A : Our priority was to take good care of our children .
We constantly checked their temperatures and analyzed food and fluid intake and output .
We gave them a great deal of watered down Pedialyte daily with powdered vitamin C mixed right in .
Our doctors repeatedly reminded us our children would be highly contagious , especially at the outset of symptoms .
So , one of the big challenges was protecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to care for them -- while trying to normalize the experience for them .
We continued to enjoy our daily dance party , regular story time , pretend play and other routines -- but from about 6 feet away whenever possible .
They are toddlers , and so there were still a lot of activities that necessitated close contact ( such as diaper changing and baths ) , and it was also important to continue to comfort them and give hugs .
My husband and I have been an amazing team throughout this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distance from each other , which was exceptionally hard .
There was a high chance that one of us would test positive first and end up transmitting the virus to the other .
My husband even slept on an air mattress 6 feet away from our shared bed .
We joked that Daddy had become our household pet .
Given the seriousness of our circumstances , we needed some comic relief every now and then .
A : Our doctors advised that the entire family wear medical-grade protective masks when coming into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear surgical gloves .
Obviously , acquiring high-grade PPE is nearly impossible right now , especially when you need it right away .
We had to be extremely flexible and creative .
We used our vacuum cleaner HEPA filter bags inside cloth face masks after doing research that suggested they were effective at filtering airborne particles .
We also used gardening gloves and power-tool protective glasses .
Eventually , we were able to locate medical grade masks ( one for each of us ) and a small package of surgical gloves .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filtration medical mask in the hopes that our medical masks would last longer than they were designed to .
The doctor also recommended we immediately start consuming high doses of vitamin C , rinse our mouths regularly with Listerine , and avoid taking any Ibuprofen .
Q : Were you tested for COVID-19 ?
A : I was tested the same day my children were .
My test result came back negative and all three of the children tested positive .
At first , my doctor assumed it was a `` false negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came down with a high fever , we were all playing games together in the nursery .
I believe I was standing roughly 4 to 6 feet away from my aunt ( who was unknowingly infectious ) .
Thankfully , I remained strong and healthy during the weeks my children were showing symptoms .
Given the heavy daily exposure , it was presumed that , upon retest weeks later , I would likely be COVID-19 positive even though I initially tested negative .
However , my retest results also came back negative .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ times -- all negative .
Q : How can you minimize exposure as a caregiver ?
A : One of the first things we did when we found out that our household was affected was to study as much as we could in a short period .
We then went around the entire house and visualized that environment and all of its component features ( doorknobs , toys , stairway rails , computer keyboards , light switches , household supplies , drawer handles , faucet knobs , handles of appliances , chair backs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the likely problem spots were in terms of contagion-hosting through frequent touching .
We then developed a regular regimen of disinfecting all of those spots multiple times per day .
We created homemade PPE from whatever suitable materials we could immediately get our hands on .
Based on advice from our health care providers , we have been wearing a mask , gloves and glasses .
I used tape to seal disposable shower caps over my head as hair can be a vector of transmission .
Our doctors also asked that we to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited about wearing masks whenever possible to reduce the likelihood of transmission .
We washed our hands throughout the day constantly .
After each period spent in the room caring for our sick children , we had a laborious protocol which always ended with disinfecting our supplies , putting all clothes into the laundry , and taking a hot shower .
I have never done so much laundry or taken so many showers in my entire life .
These laborious efforts , at minimum , gave us confidence that we were doing everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our triplets while they were sick without putting ourselves in obvious high-risk danger of infection .
Q : How can parents explain to young children why they have to wear masks and take precautions ?
A : We tried to make everything into a game .
It helped that they observed Mommy and Daddy wearing masks .
They are still at an age where they want to imitate everything we do .
We also practiced putting masks on stuffed animals together .
The kids got even more excited about wearing masks when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characters wore masks in some form , such as Ninja Turtle and Batman .
It did take some practice to get them to keep their masks on and to not cover their eyes as they were used to playing `` peekaboo . ''
We became more flexible and let the kids draw on the walls of their room to help them express their own emotions during this unusual time .
We read stories together , including a book that my good Rotary friend , Mary Onorad , was kind enough to drop off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' We sometimes created art together as we drew separately during a conversation about being in quarantine .
Q : How did you console your 3-year-olds ?
A : My heart sank when my doctor told me that I needed to distance from my own children whenever possible .
I reminded her of the challenges involved given that my triplets are not even yet 3 years old in adjusted age terms ( they were born early at 28 weeks ) .
In terms of social play , at first , I tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` mommy and baby '' versions of their favorite stuffed animals would hug and kiss each other .
We would dance together and blow bubbles back and forth from 6 feet apart .
At the same time , given their stage of early brain development , it was just not realistic to go several days to weeks without close , affectionate contact .
We have always been a very affectionate family .
I could not bear the possibility that my children would suddenly feel rejected by me .
I had to find creative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotional needs while also protecting myself the best I possibly could .
One recommendation was to add more layers of protection and to think of the periods of closer , affectionate contact as shortened intervals in between more `` social distance '' play .
My kids love astronaut characters , so we created a game .
I told them we were all pretending to be astronauts in space and that was why we all looked so funny .
Then , a friend sent me a white suit to take the game to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hop on the `` Mommy space craft express '' as we sang songs and imagined we were astronauts on a mission , exploring faraway planets and galaxies .
Q : What was the onset of symptoms like for your children ?
A : The first obvious symptom that presented for all three children was nausea and vomiting .
This was followed by diarrhea and fever .
One of our daughters coughed a lot more than the other two .
Our other daughter did not cough much but sneezed a lot .
Our son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the three kids completely recovered around the same time while the third continued to have lingering symptoms that required close monitoring .
Even after all symptoms resolve , we still need to remain vigilant as a small number of COVID-19 positive children develop PIMS ( pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome ) , sometimes a month or more later , from what we have been told .
Q : What 's been the most difficult part of this ordeal ?
A : Psychological management of fear of the unknown .
Our normal everyday existence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extreme complexity , both logistically and emotionally .
For the sake of my family , I had to remain focused on our new daily routine and solving the problems at hand with discipline and hope .
Q : Is there anything else you would like to add ?
A : I am a business owner myself and had to temporarily suspend all business activities .
COVID-19 has personally affected my family on multiple fronts .
Interestingly , this experience has made me less afraid , not more .
We are always going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
COVID-19 has been/is everywhere in my home .
We also feel very fortunate that the virus never escalated to the most severe version for anyone in my family .
There were certainly some particularly rough days , but nobody was hospitalized in need of an ICU room .
We were able to manage with home care .
My aunt still feels tired but has recently been released from self-quarantine .
My heart goes out to those families who have not been so lucky .
As we start to reopen as a society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree to embrace simple , low-cost , high-impact habitual processes until we have an effective vaccine , so we can learn to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 effectively and beat this thing -- not by hiding in a hole while the world falls apart , and not by pretending it does n't exist , but by being sensible and systematic , and taking basic high-impact precautions .
Finally , I am also extremely grateful to my `` professional family '' at Advocate Health and Good Samaritan Hospital where I serve on the Governing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of offering support to me and my family .
The president of Good Samaritan Hospital , Nancy Tinsley -- despite her hectic schedule doing an amazing job leading the hospital during this crisis -- was always available for me .
Many other friends and members of my community also offered support when needed , including organizing grocery shopping and locating masks or gloves .
Thousands of people across the globe were saying prayers for my family .
The kindness of others was extraordinary .

'Children can and do get this virus': How Naperville parents cared for 3-year-old triplets with COVID-19
All three of Maureen Dunne's toddlers perfected the art of correctly putting masks on their stuffed animals before wearing them regularly themselves. Courtesy of Maureen Dunne
Naperville mom Maureen Dunne had to wear masks, surgical gloves, protective glasses and a hair net caring for her 3-year-old triplets at home. Even with rigorous protocols in place, health care experts were surprised that Dunne managed to avoid contracting the virus after nursing the toddlers back to health over a period of weeks. Courtesy of Maureen Dunne
Maureen Dunne found herself facing the unimaginable when her children became part of a frightening statistic.
In DuPage County, 147 kids younger than 10 have developed COVID-19, accounting for less than 2% of all confirmed cases.
Three of those cases are Dunne's triplets. The College of DuPage trustee and her husband, Brett, braced "for a battle" caring for not one, not two, but three sick toddlers.
Avoiding intimate contact was impossible, but the Naperville parents re-engineered family routines so they wouldn't catch the virus and could nurse their 3-year-olds, Sophia, Sylvie and Alex, back to health.
Dunne shared her experience in hopes of helping other caregivers and as a reminder that children aren't immune to the coronavirus. This is an edited version of a conversation conducted via email.
Q: What happened when you received the results that your children all tested positive on May 6? How are they doing now?
A: One of my biggest fears has been that either my husband or I (or our entire family) would become seriously ill and require hospitalization. If my husband and I got sick, who would take care of our COVID-19 positive children? What if one or more of my children were hospitalized or worse?
When we first realized our predicament, my husband and I looked at each other and acknowledged that this situation would be tremendously, tremendously difficult for our family. But we made a commitment to each other and to ourselves to remain calm and cautiously optimistic. Somehow, we shifted pretty quickly into a "Let's get to work" attitude and started preparing for a battle.
At this point, we have reason to feel optimistic that everyone will beat this virus and end up 100% healthy.
Q: What are the chances of young children catching the virus?
A: According to the CDC, only approximately 1.7% of all people diagnosed with COVID-19 are children under the age of 18.
The likelihood that my household and my triplets would be affected was extremely small. It was also highly unlikely my aunt would contract it (and then spread it to our children), given that she engaged in such limited essential activities and took responsible precautions. She must have been exceptionally unlucky (a statistical outlier) to be at the precise wrong place at the precise wrong time (where/when she was exposed to a large enough viral load for the disease to get traction in her system).
But -- and this is also important -- the risk is clearly not zero. This virus does not discriminate. We are all vulnerable. Children can and do get this virus. When it affects the people you love, believe me, the statistics will be far from mind.
Maureen Dunne, comforting her daughter Sylvie, was constantly wearing personal protective equipment as she cared for her 3-year-old triplets when they fell ill with COVID-19. - Courtesy of Maureen Dunne
Q: How did you manage their care at home?
A: Our priority was to take good care of our children. We constantly checked their temperatures and analyzed food and fluid intake and output. We gave them a great deal of watered down Pedialyte daily with powdered vitamin C mixed right in.
Our doctors repeatedly reminded us our children would be highly contagious, especially at the outset of symptoms. So, one of the big challenges was protecting ourselves so we could remain healthy enough to care for them -- while trying to normalize the experience for them.
We continued to enjoy our daily dance party, regular story time, pretend play and other routines -- but from about 6 feet away whenever possible. They are toddlers, and so there were still a lot of activities that necessitated close contact (such as diaper changing and baths), and it was also important to continue to comfort them and give hugs.
My husband and I have been an amazing team throughout this process -- while simultaneously being required to social distance from each other, which was exceptionally hard. There was a high chance that one of us would test positive first and end up transmitting the virus to the other.
My husband even slept on an air mattress 6 feet away from our shared bed. We joked that Daddy had become our household pet. Given the seriousness of our circumstances, we needed some comic relief every now and then.
Q: What have doctors advised?
A: Our doctors advised that the entire family wear medical-grade protective masks when coming into contact. We were also advised to wear surgical gloves. Obviously, acquiring high-grade PPE is nearly impossible right now, especially when you need it right away.
We had to be extremely flexible and creative.
We used our vacuum cleaner HEPA filter bags inside cloth face masks after doing research that suggested they were effective at filtering airborne particles. We also used gardening gloves and power-tool protective glasses.
Eventually, we were able to locate medical grade masks (one for each of us) and a small package of surgical gloves. We wore a surgical mask over the higher filtration medical mask in the hopes that our medical masks would last longer than they were designed to.
The doctor also recommended we immediately start consuming high doses of vitamin C, rinse our mouths regularly with Listerine, and avoid taking any Ibuprofen.
Sophia, Sylvie and Alex were born prematurely at 28 weeks. Weighing only about 2 pounds each, they spent three months in the NICU before coming home. Now 3 years old, they are thriving and represent a small number of COVID-19 child survivors worldwide, their mom, Maureen Dunne, says. - Courtesy of Maureen Dunne
Q: Were you tested for COVID-19?
A: I was tested the same day my children were. My test result came back negative and all three of the children tested positive.
At first, my doctor assumed it was a "false negative." The night before my aunt came down with a high fever, we were all playing games together in the nursery. I believe I was standing roughly 4 to 6 feet away from my aunt (who was unknowingly infectious). Thankfully, I remained strong and healthy during the weeks my children were showing symptoms.
Given the heavy daily exposure, it was presumed that, upon retest weeks later, I would likely be COVID-19 positive even though I initially tested negative. However, my retest results also came back negative.
My husband has now been tested three times -- all negative.
Q: How can you minimize exposure as a caregiver?
A: One of the first things we did when we found out that our household was affected was to study as much as we could in a short period. We then went around the entire house and visualized that environment and all of its component features (doorknobs, toys, stairway rails, computer keyboards, light switches, household supplies, drawer handles, faucet knobs, handles of appliances, chair backs, etc.) thinking about where the likely problem spots were in terms of contagion-hosting through frequent touching.
We then developed a regular regimen of disinfecting all of those spots multiple times per day. We created homemade PPE from whatever suitable materials we could immediately get our hands on.
Based on advice from our health care providers, we have been wearing a mask, gloves and glasses. I used tape to seal disposable shower caps over my head as hair can be a vector of transmission. Our doctors also asked that we to try our best to get our triplets excited about wearing masks whenever possible to reduce the likelihood of transmission.
We washed our hands throughout the day constantly. After each period spent in the room caring for our sick children, we had a laborious protocol which always ended with disinfecting our supplies, putting all clothes into the laundry, and taking a hot shower. I have never done so much laundry or taken so many showers in my entire life.
These laborious efforts, at minimum, gave us confidence that we were doing everything we could to provide complete attentive care to our triplets while they were sick without putting ourselves in obvious high-risk danger of infection.
"We became more flexible and let the kids draw on the walls of their room to help them express their own emotions during this unusual time," Maureen Dunne said of her triplets, who learned to enjoy wearing masks after she pointed out that Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also wear masks in some form. - Courtesy of Maureen Dunne
Q: How can parents explain to young children why they have to wear masks and take precautions?
A: We tried to make everything into a game. It helped that they observed Mommy and Daddy wearing masks. They are still at an age where they want to imitate everything we do. We also practiced putting masks on stuffed animals together.
The kids got even more excited about wearing masks when they each realized some of their favorite characters wore masks in some form, such as Ninja Turtle and Batman. It did take some practice to get them to keep their masks on and to not cover their eyes as they were used to playing "peekaboo."
We became more flexible and let the kids draw on the walls of their room to help them express their own emotions during this unusual time. We read stories together, including a book that my good Rotary friend, Mary Onorad, was kind enough to drop off: "Q is for Quarantine."
We sometimes created art together as we drew separately during a conversation about being in quarantine.
Q: How did you console your 3-year-olds?
A: My heart sank when my doctor told me that I needed to distance from my own children whenever possible. I reminded her of the challenges involved given that my triplets are not even yet 3 years old in adjusted age terms (they were born early at 28 weeks).
In terms of social play, at first, I tried to play a lot of games where the "mommy and baby" versions of their favorite stuffed animals would hug and kiss each other. We would dance together and blow bubbles back and forth from 6 feet apart.
At the same time, given their stage of early brain development, it was just not realistic to go several days to weeks without close, affectionate contact. We have always been a very affectionate family. I could not bear the possibility that my children would suddenly feel rejected by me. I had to find creative solutions to meet both their physical and emotional needs while also protecting myself the best I possibly could.
One recommendation was to add more layers of protection and to think of the periods of closer, affectionate contact as shortened intervals in between more "social distance" play. My kids love astronaut characters, so we created a game. I told them we were all pretending to be astronauts in space and that was why we all looked so funny. Then, a friend sent me a white suit to take the game to a whole new level. My kids would hop on the "Mommy space craft express" as we sang songs and imagined we were astronauts on a mission, exploring faraway planets and galaxies.
Maureen Dunne's 3-year-old triplets, two identical girls and one boy, played with bubbles as they started to recover from COVID-19. - Courtesy of Maureen Dunne
Q: What was the onset of symptoms like for your children?
A: The first obvious symptom that presented for all three children was nausea and vomiting. This was followed by diarrhea and fever. One of our daughters coughed a lot more than the other two. Our other daughter did not cough much but sneezed a lot. Our son had the highest fever.
Two out of the three kids completely recovered around the same time while the third continued to have lingering symptoms that required close monitoring.
Even after all symptoms resolve, we still need to remain vigilant as a small number of COVID-19 positive children develop PIMS (pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome), sometimes a month or more later, from what we have been told.
Q: What's been the most difficult part of this ordeal?
A: Psychological management of fear of the unknown. Our normal everyday existence has been completely upended and replaced by extreme complexity, both logistically and emotionally. For the sake of my family, I had to remain focused on our new daily routine and solving the problems at hand with discipline and hope.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I am a business owner myself and had to temporarily suspend all business activities. COVID-19 has personally affected my family on multiple fronts. Interestingly, this experience has made me less afraid, not more. We are always going to be more terrified of the unknown enemy. COVID-19 has been/is everywhere in my home.
We also feel very fortunate that the virus never escalated to the most severe version for anyone in my family. There were certainly some particularly rough days, but nobody was hospitalized in need of an ICU room. We were able to manage with home care. My aunt still feels tired but has recently been released from self-quarantine. My heart goes out to those families who have not been so lucky.
As we start to reopen as a society, I really hope we can all agree to embrace simple, low-cost, high-impact habitual processes until we have an effective vaccine, so we can learn to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 effectively and beat this thing -- not by hiding in a hole while the world falls apart, and not by pretending it doesn't exist, but by being sensible and systematic, and taking basic high-impact precautions.
Finally, I am also extremely grateful to my "professional family" at Advocate Health and Good Samaritan Hospital where I serve on the Governing Board Council. They were extraordinary in terms of offering support to me and my family. The president of Good Samaritan Hospital, Nancy Tinsley -- despite her hectic schedule doing an amazing job leading the hospital during this crisis -- was always available for me. Many other friends and members of my community also offered support when needed, including organizing grocery shopping and locating masks or gloves. Thousands of people across the globe were saying prayers for my family. The kindness of others was extraordinary.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--How authorities decide to close which roads, and when -- and how to navigate them

Drivers in the suburbs get road closures .
Every construction season , someone 's favorite street is blocked off so bulldozers can get free rein .
But as protests against racism as well as violence surged last week , road blocks popped up everywhere , surprising unsuspecting drivers .
They included Jill D'Silva , who took a family member to Chicago for chemotherapy on Tuesday only to turn around because streets leading to the clinic were closed .
`` Chemotherapy needs to occur on time each and every week , '' the South Barrington resident posted on the Daily Herald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising its bridges and blocking access to downtown streets , Aurora , Naperville , Schaumburg and other suburbs have barred traffic from roads or expressways recently .
In some cases , it was to accommodate peaceful demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd , who died after a Minneapolis police officer put a knee on his neck May 25 .
In others , it was to prevent vandals glomming onto the disruption and engaging in looting sprees .
`` We 're trying to stop more damage to property and to protect lives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Looters ravaged multiple shops in the city 's downtown June 1 .
All I-88 ramps to Aurora were blocked nightly from June 1 through Wednesday .
`` For people outside the area , it makes it a little more difficult to get to areas we 're concerned about , '' Lewbel said , adding the city supports peaceful protests .
On May 31 , Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg closed early because of social media threats , and police barricaded Route 53 exit and entrance ramps .
It 's not a decision authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved -- detectives working social media and sources for criminal activity , traffic engineers , sheriff 's departments , IDOT , the Illinois tollway and public works crews .
Schaumburg police and Illinois State Police `` are evaluating circumstances each day and then deciding if roads need to be closed , the specific locations of those closures and the closure timing based on the daily reports , '' Schaumburg Transportation Director Karyn Robles said .
So far , road closures have all occurred in the late afternoon and early evenings .
The goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day so drivers can be informed , Robles said .
The current turbulence does create a `` fluid situation , '' veteran WBBM traffic and spot news reporter Kris Habermehl said .
`` You could get a ramp that 's open one minute , then closed the next . ''
But the strategy works , said Habermehl , also a lieutenant for the Kirkland Fire Department .
`` Having a limited access to a potential hot spot '' discourages people seeking to make a rapid entry and rapid exit , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ intent see police on the ramp '' it cues them to a strong police presence and helps with flow control .
`` It 's a good positive step to maintain order at a distance .
It really takes down the overall temperature . ''
Can we expect dwindling churn and open roads this week ?
`` We 're taking it day by day , and that 's the hard part , '' Lewbel said .
`` I wake up every morning and hope we wo n't have ( looting ) happen in Aurora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , experts advise checking the news as well as traffic reports before venturing farther afield .
Plan an alternate route , just in case .
Peruse social media for local police department road closure announcements , such as the Aurora Police Department 's Twitter account , @ AuroraPoliceIL .
Or go to : `` Today 's street closures '' in Chicago ; the Illinois State Police 's Facebook @ ISPDistrict2 and Twitter @ ISPDistrict2 feeds ; and Illinois tollway Twitter accounts like Tollway Trip 88 ( @ I_88_Tollway ) .
Got a comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dailyherald.com .
Ouch .
Watch for delays on Touhy Avenue when IDOT crews resurface and improve a section from Higgins Road in Des Plaines to Route 14 in Niles .
Work starts Monday and wraps up in fall 2021 .
Metra , which has been operating on a Sunday schedule , is expected to shift to an alternate schedule this week .
In other words , more trains -- limited service will return on the SouthWest Service , Heritage Corridor and North Central Service lines .
To find out more go to metrarail.com @

How authorities decide to close which roads, and when -- and how to navigate them
Expect the unexpected, experts say, as Chicago has been raising bridges and closing streets to prevent violence. Peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd also have caused closures in the suburbs. Associated Press
Drivers in the suburbs get road closures. Every construction season, someone's favorite street is blocked off so bulldozers can get free rein.
But as protests against racism as well as violence surged last week, road blocks popped up everywhere, surprising unsuspecting drivers.
They included Jill D'Silva, who took a family member to Chicago for chemotherapy on Tuesday only to turn around because streets leading to the clinic were closed.
"Chemotherapy needs to occur on time each and every week," the South Barrington resident posted on the Daily Herald's Facebook page.
Along with Chicago raising its bridges and blocking access to downtown streets, Aurora, Naperville, Schaumburg and other suburbs have barred traffic from roads or expressways recently.
In some cases, it was to accommodate peaceful demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer put a knee on his neck May 25. In others, it was to prevent vandals glomming onto the disruption and engaging in looting sprees.
"We're trying to stop more damage to property and to protect lives," Aurora police spokesman Paris Lewbel said. Looters ravaged multiple shops in the city's downtown June 1.
All I-88 ramps to Aurora were blocked nightly from June 1 through Wednesday.
"For people outside the area, it makes it a little more difficult to get to areas we're concerned about," Lewbel said, adding the city supports peaceful protests.
On May 31, Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg closed early because of social media threats, and police barricaded Route 53 exit and entrance ramps.
It's not a decision authorities take lightly. Multiple professionals are typically involved -- detectives working social media and sources for criminal activity, traffic engineers, sheriff's departments, IDOT, the Illinois tollway and public works crews.
Schaumburg police and Illinois State Police "are evaluating circumstances each day and then deciding if roads need to be closed, the specific locations of those closures and the closure timing based on the daily reports," Schaumburg Transportation Director Karyn Robles said.
So far, road closures have all occurred in the late afternoon and early evenings. The goal is to make decisions early in the day so drivers can be informed, Robles said.
The current turbulence does create a "fluid situation," veteran WBBM traffic and spot news reporter Kris Habermehl said. "You could get a ramp that's open one minute, then closed the next."
But the strategy works, said Habermehl, also a lieutenant for the Kirkland Fire Department.
"Having a limited access to a potential hot spot" discourages people seeking to make a rapid entry and rapid exit, he said.
"When people who are of ill intent see police on the ramp" it cues them to a strong police presence and helps with flow control. "It's a good positive step to maintain order at a distance. It really takes down the overall temperature."
Can we expect dwindling churn and open roads this week?
"We're taking it day by day, and that's the hard part," Lewbel said. "I wake up every morning and hope we won't have (looting) happen in Aurora."
To avoid potential travel kinks, experts advise checking the news as well as traffic reports before venturing farther afield. Plan an alternate route, just in case.
Peruse social media for local police department road closure announcements, such as the Aurora Police Department's Twitter account, @AuroraPoliceIL.
Or go to: "Today's street closures" in Chicago; the Illinois State Police's Facebook @ISPDistrict2 and Twitter @ISPDistrict2 feeds; and Illinois tollway Twitter accounts like Tollway Trip 88 (@I_88_Tollway). Got a comment or question? Go to mpyke@dailyherald.com.
Gridlock alert
Ouch. Watch for delays on Touhy Avenue when IDOT crews resurface and improve a section from Higgins Road in Des Plaines to Route 14 in Niles. Work starts Monday and wraps up in fall 2021.
Metra ramping up
Metra, which has been operating on a Sunday schedule, is expected to shift to an alternate schedule this week. In other words, more trains -- limited service will return on the SouthWest Service, Heritage Corridor and North Central Service lines.
To find out more go to metrarail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-07--From bed to UFC Gym: Naperville woman's journey through rare spinal fluid leak

Colleen Tyrrell Llacsa spent most of three years dealing with a cerebral spinal fluid leak so debilitating that , on many days , she could n't hope to recover .
She spent much of that time in bed .
Now she 's working out with a trainer from Naperville 's UFC Gym .
`` I 'm exercising , '' she said .
`` And I did n't think I would survive . ''
It 's been a stark and welcome transformation the past two years for the 38-year-old Naperville woman who had been on palliative care before the effects of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` She is capable of far more than she gives herself credit for , '' said her trainer , Matthew Kuschert , owner and general manager of UFC Gym Naperville .
Llacsa fell ill after the birth of her third child in March 2015 .
By the time eight months had passed since the birth of Joshua , now 5 , she was severely afflicted with numbness , weakness , dizziness , nausea , fatigue and intense headaches .
She found lying down eased some of the pain , so she spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her bed , while her husband , Jahary Llacsa , played dad , mom and all the other roles that come with parenthood for Joshua and his older siblings , Lucy Jane , 7 , and Samuel , 10 .
Llacsa saw top specialists who treat cerebral spinal fluid leaks , a condition so rare it occurs in an estimated 5 out of 100,000 people each year .
She met with doctors at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago , Duke University in North Carolina and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California , and her father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enlisted the help of neurologist friends .
Llacsa said she has endured 87 medical procedures , including several major surgeries as doctors tried to locate and fix tears in her dura , the lining of the spinal canal , that allowed cerebral spinal fluid to leak out .
She and her doctors believe the tears occurred when she was given an epidural pain medication before she gave birth to Joshua via cesarean section .
When cerebral spinal fluid leaks into surrounding tissues , there 's not enough to provide cushioning for the spinal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors who treat the condition say .
Low fluid pressure causes the symptoms .
Colleen Tyrrell Llacsa is working out with a trainer from UFC Gym Naperville as she recovers from a cerebral spinal fluid leak that caused her years of debilitating symptoms .
Llacsa is training virtually while the gym is closed , but she and her trainers agreed to meet with the Daily Herald in person for photos .
Colleen Tyrrell Llacsa is working out with a trainer from UFC Gym Naperville as she recovers from a cerebral spinal fluid leak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Llacsa is training virtually while the gym is closed , but she and her trainers agreed to meet with the Daily Herald in person for photos .
Treatment attempts Some procedures doctors tried for Llacsa offered short-term relief .
Her illness took a toll on her family , especially Samuel , who began to experience anxiety and bullying .
It was the last thing his mother wanted to see as she struggled on many days even to speak .
`` I did n't care about myself anymore .
I did n't care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I cared about my kids . ''
In October 2017 , Llacsa made her last trip to the experts at Duke University , who conducted a dural glue patching procedure .
It was n't an immediate success , but it gave her enough energy to take what she thought was one last family vacation , to Florida , in December 2017 .
The trip backfired as Llacsa suffered a blood infection and a blood clot .
She took an emergency flight home and `` almost died , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happened next is n't medically clear .
But in February 2018 , Llacsa started getting out of bed for minutes at a time , then realizing those minutes could expand into hours or longer .
She said her doctors think the recovery has happened because all of her procedures over the years patched enough of the tiny punctures in her dura to stop the cerebral spinal fluid leaks .
The recovery has been uneven , as she 's run into spells where symptoms have returned and she 's been back in bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the setbacks , Llacsa said , have been part of the blessing of this newfound normalcy .
They help her keep perspective when she loses gratitude for the abilities she 's regained and focuses , instead , on family moments she missed , weight she wants to lose or the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Whoa , hold on , do n't complain , '' she tells herself .
`` You are so lucky to be able to stand . ''
Colleen Tyrrell Llacsa and her son Samuel , 10 , work out at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kuschert guides .
Llacsa is working her way back after recovering from a cerebral spinal fluid leak that caused debilitating symptoms that kept her in bed for much of three years .
Llacsa trains virtually as the gym is closed , but she and her trainers agreed to meet with the Daily Herald in person for photos .
Colleen Tyrrell Llacsa and her son Samuel , 10 , work out at UFC Gym Naperville as gym co-owner Matthew Kuschert guides .
Llacsa is working her way back after recovering from a cerebral spinal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept her in bed for much of three years .
Llacsa trains virtually as the gym is closed , but she and her trainers agreed to meet with the Daily Herald in person for photos .
Local gym 's help The Llacsa family started taking Samuel to a kids ' empowerment group at UFC Gym Naperville shortly after it opened in May 2018 .
The gym , co-owned by Kuschert and decorated UFC featherweight Ricardo Lamas , might seem like it 's all about mixed-martial arts and building the next superstars .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-esteem and leave each day better than they were when they walked in , owners say .
The strategy has worked for Samuel .
`` His whole personality changed .
He said to me , 'This is such a special place , Mom , ' '' Llacsa said .
`` It has been the best thing for Samuel , and now it 's the best thing for me . ''
Llacsa did n't think she could work out .
After years of illness , she was happy to get out of bed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mind .
She decided to give an exercise routine a try .
Llacsa 's sessions with Kuschert began in February , mainly as physical assessments -- what she could and could n't do , how much the years in bed had atrophied her muscles .
With degrees between them in biology , chemistry , exercise science and nutrition , Kuschert and Lamas give clients the confidence they wo n't risk injury .
`` We 're bringing that attitude and energy together with the science of what actually works , '' Kuschert said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stay-at-home orders closed the gym , so Llacsa 's workouts with Kuschert have gone virtual .
Samuel usually keeps tabs on his mom 's progress .
`` It makes me work harder , '' she said .
Llacsa breathes hard through a series of squat presses during one recent workout , then smiles .
There is so much she can do .
She wants to incorporate UFC Gym into a fundraiser she hopes to plan for the Tyrrell Family Foundation , which formed to support research into cerebral spinal fluid leaks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her children .
She wants the positivity of her recovery to shine through the struggles of the pandemic .
`` It 's tough on people , but I 'm free , '' she said .
`` I 'm free to walk .
I 'm free to breathe . ''

From bed to UFC Gym: Naperville woman's journey through rare spinal fluid leak
Colleen Tyrrell Llacsa spent most of three years dealing with a cerebral spinal fluid leak so debilitating that, on many days, she couldn't hope to recover. She spent much of that time in bed.
Now she's working out with a trainer from Naperville's UFC Gym.
"I'm exercising," she said. "And I didn't think I would survive."
It's been a stark and welcome transformation the past two years for the 38-year-old Naperville woman who had been on palliative care before the effects of one last procedure started to set in.
"She is capable of far more than she gives herself credit for," said her trainer, Matthew Kuschert, owner and general manager of UFC Gym Naperville.
Llacsa fell ill after the birth of her third child in March 2015. By the time eight months had passed since the birth of Joshua, now 5, she was severely afflicted with numbness, weakness, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and intense headaches.
She found lying down eased some of the pain, so she spent months at a time nearly confined to her bed, while her husband, Jahary Llacsa, played dad, mom and all the other roles that come with parenthood for Joshua and his older siblings, Lucy Jane, 7, and Samuel, 10.
Llacsa saw top specialists who treat cerebral spinal fluid leaks, a condition so rare it occurs in an estimated 5 out of 100,000 people each year. She met with doctors at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Duke University in North Carolina and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California, and her father, Naperville internist Dr. Timothy Tyrrell, enlisted the help of neurologist friends.
Llacsa said she has endured 87 medical procedures, including several major surgeries as doctors tried to locate and fix tears in her dura, the lining of the spinal canal, that allowed cerebral spinal fluid to leak out. She and her doctors believe the tears occurred when she was given an epidural pain medication before she gave birth to Joshua via cesarean section.
When cerebral spinal fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, there's not enough to provide cushioning for the spinal cord and nutrients for the brain, doctors who treat the condition say. Low fluid pressure causes the symptoms.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Colleen Tyrrell Llacsa is working out with a trainer from UFC Gym Naperville as she recovers from a cerebral spinal fluid leak that caused her years of debilitating symptoms. Llacsa is training virtually while the gym is closed, but she and her trainers agreed to meet with the Daily Herald in person for photos.
Some procedures doctors tried for Llacsa offered short-term relief. Her illness took a toll on her family, especially Samuel, who began to experience anxiety and bullying. It was the last thing his mother wanted to see as she struggled on many days even to speak.
"I didn't care about myself anymore. I didn't care about the suffering," Llacsa said. "I cared about my kids."
In October 2017, Llacsa made her last trip to the experts at Duke University, who conducted a dural glue patching procedure. It wasn't an immediate success, but it gave her enough energy to take what she thought was one last family vacation, to Florida, in December 2017.
The trip backfired as Llacsa suffered a blood infection and a blood clot. She took an emergency flight home and "almost died," she said.
More time in bed followed, and what happened next isn't medically clear. But in February 2018, Llacsa started getting out of bed for minutes at a time, then realizing those minutes could expand into hours or longer.
She said her doctors think the recovery has happened because all of her procedures over the years patched enough of the tiny punctures in her dura to stop the cerebral spinal fluid leaks.
The recovery has been uneven, as she's run into spells where symptoms have returned and she's been back in bed for up to three weeks.
But the setbacks, Llacsa said, have been part of the blessing of this newfound normalcy. They help her keep perspective when she loses gratitude for the abilities she's regained and focuses, instead, on family moments she missed, weight she wants to lose or the coronavirus pandemic.
"Whoa, hold on, don't complain," she tells herself. "You are so lucky to be able to stand."
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Colleen Tyrrell Llacsa and her son Samuel, 10, work out at UFC Gym Naperville as gym co-owner Matthew Kuschert guides. Llacsa is working her way back after recovering from a cerebral spinal fluid leak that caused debilitating symptoms that kept her in bed for much of three years. Llacsa trains virtually as the gym is closed, but she and her trainers agreed to meet with the Daily Herald in person for photos.
The Llacsa family started taking Samuel to a kids' empowerment group at UFC Gym Naperville shortly after it opened in May 2018.
The gym, co-owned by Kuschert and decorated UFC featherweight Ricardo Lamas, might seem like it's all about mixed-martial arts and building the next superstars. But it's actually about helping members gain self-esteem and leave each day better than they were when they walked in, owners say.
The strategy has worked for Samuel.
"His whole personality changed. He said to me, 'This is such a special place, Mom,'" Llacsa said. "It has been the best thing for Samuel, and now it's the best thing for me."
Llacsa didn't think she could work out. After years of illness, she was happy to get out of bed.
But talking with Kuschert and Lamas changed her mind. She decided to give an exercise routine a try.
Llacsa's sessions with Kuschert began in February, mainly as physical assessments -- what she could and couldn't do, how much the years in bed had atrophied her muscles. With degrees between them in biology, chemistry, exercise science and nutrition, Kuschert and Lamas give clients the confidence they won't risk injury.
"We're bringing that attitude and energy together with the science of what actually works," Kuschert said.
After a month of in-person sessions, stay-at-home orders closed the gym, so Llacsa's workouts with Kuschert have gone virtual. Samuel usually keeps tabs on his mom's progress.
"It makes me work harder," she said.
Llacsa breathes hard through a series of squat presses during one recent workout, then smiles. There is so much she can do.
She wants to incorporate UFC Gym into a fundraiser she hopes to plan for the Tyrrell Family Foundation, which formed to support research into cerebral spinal fluid leaks. She wants to set a good example for her children. She wants the positivity of her recovery to shine through the struggles of the pandemic.
"It's tough on people, but I'm free," she said. "I'm free to walk. I'm free to breathe."