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Schaumburg firefighters fund raise for one of their own
Schaumburg firefighter Mike Solberg had been on the job for just a few weeks when bad headaches prompted a trip to the doctor.
Then Solberg, the son of longtime Palatine Councilman Greg Solberg, received the devastating diagnosis that he had grade four brain cancer, an advanced malignant tumor known as glioblastoma.
Though the fire department doesn’t know Solberg well — they didn’t get much of an opportunity between his Oct. 11 swearing in and Nov. 2 surgery to remove the tumor — his colleagues are eager to help out.
The department will host a fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at John Barleycorn, 1100 American Lane, Schaumburg.
“We’re one big family and he’s one of our brothers,” said Jeanine Kubalewski, who’s organizing the event with fellow firefighter Cheryl Seibert. “We’re hopeful it can, in a small way, help in his recovery so he can get back to work.”
The benefit will help Solberg, 32, his wife, Maureen, and their 21-month-old daughter, Emma.
For a $5 donation at the door, guests can head upstairs to watch the Chicago Bears take on their biggest rival, the Green Bay Packers.
Gray “awareness” bracelets, a color that symbolizes disorders including brain cancer, will be available for purchase, as will tickets for a 50/50 raffle and an iPad.
“Mike’s the nicest guy and everyone speaks very highly of him,” Kubalewski said. “It would be great if the community came together to support him.”
Those who can’t attend but want to donate can call Seibert at (847) 323-8022 or Kubalewski at (847) 401-0432.
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