Huntley police raise funds for officer fighting cancer

The Huntley Police Department is collecting donations through Saturday for one of its officers suffering from a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Patrol Sgt. L.J. Marak, a 13-year department veteran, was diagnosed earlier this year with synovial sarcoma, a soft-tissue cancer that usually occurs near the joints of the arm, leg or neck. The illness has forced Marak to miss a lot of work, and his medical bills are escalating, officials said.

Huntley police officers are organizing a benefit for Marak from 3 p.m. until closing Saturday at Niko's Red Mill Tavern, 1040 Lake Ave., Woodstock. The event includes live country music, a bags tournament and a silent auction.

"There is really no set amount per se, it's just whatever people feel like giving," Huntley Police Deputy Chief Michael Klunk said. "It's just the camaraderie of it. That is what this is about, to show support for him."

Marak is back at work after completing an eight-week cycle of proton therapy. He soon will undergo 12 to 14 weeks of chemotherapy for which he must travel three hours round-trip every day because it is not available nearby, Klunk said.

"He's got good spirits," Klunk said. "He's back pretty much 100 percent ... recovering from one and gearing up for the next session. Prognosis is good and we're hoping for the best for him. He wants to be here. He wants to work and take his mind off those kinds of things, and wants to be with his family."

There are three benefits underway for Marak, including Saturday's fundraiser.

The Huntley Fire Protection District union just did a raffle benefiting Marak. And roughly 35 police executives participating in a 10-week supervision course at Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command are raising funds for a "legacy donation" to Marak and his family. The money will help with Marak's medical bills, gas expenses, and cover costs for his three sons' extracurricular activities during his treatment, according to a fundraising website.

Altogether, the efforts have raised roughly $10,000.

A graduate of Harper College, Marak has served in many capacities with the Huntley Police Department. He is a certified field training supervisor, evidence technician, firearms instructor, rifle/carbine instructor, Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training instructor, and an immediate action/rapid response instructor. He also enjoys hunting and camping, according to the website.

Donations can be made to Chase Bank account "Sergeant L.J Marak Family Fund" or mailed to P.O. Box 1023, Huntley, 60142.