Taylor pays surprise visit to fundraiser

Lake Zurich Fire Rescue members and Firefighters Local 3191 worked for three weeks to organize an Oktoberfest fundraiser for the family of Taylor Radtke, the 7-year-old Johnsburg girl who had a rare tumor removed last month.

They never dared to hope the family would be able to attend.

But, among the first guests to arrive Saturday were the Radtkes themselves, having arrived home from Arizona later Friday night.

Taylor walked in the room first, followed by her parents, to the astonishment of everyone working the party. Screams and hugs followed, before more and more well-wishers started to stream in.

Earlier Coverage Seven-year-old Taylor Radtke, diagnosed with a rare tumor that threatens her vision and mobility, needs life-saving surgery that few doctors are willing to perform. Stories Taylor pays surprise visit to fundraiser [11/11/07] New diagnosis for Taylor, but future still bright [11/07/07] Taylor released from hospital [10/28/07] Taylor's recovery going well [10/27/07] Taylor released from the hospital [10/27/07] Taylor's 'inoperable' tumor removed [10/26/07] Fear, hope as Taylor's surgery begins [10/25/07] Lake Zurich fundraiser to benefit girl [10/22/07] The surgeon who wouldn't say no [10/21/07] Taylor's surgery next week [10/19/07] Firefighters, friends, strangers all help Taylor [10/18/07] Column: On a cross-country ride of hope [10/18/07] Taylor's trip a dream come true [10/17/07] Taylor's smiles choke up dad [10/16/07] Editorial: Story brings heartfelt response [10/16/07] A dream comes true [10/15/07] Wish has Radtkes' riding high [10/14/07] Taylor finds doctor to do the surgery [10/13/07] You've already done so much for little Taylor [10/12/07] Ailing girl's parents buoyed by support [10/12/07] Outpouring of help eases pain for Johnsburg family [10/11/07] McHenry Co. family praying for 'miracle' cure to help save their daughter [10/10/07] Video Taylor's surgery Visiting the doctor Special zoo tour At Sea World At the zoo Taylor goes onboard How you can help DONATE - Donations for Taylor Radtke are being accepted at First Midwest Bank's Johnsburg branch, 3805 N. Johnsburg Road, and McHenry branch, 1308 N. Route 31. Funds raised will be put toward research, travel expenses and medical costs. SEND A CARD - If you'd like to write the Radtkes a card, please send them courtesy of Amy Mack, Daily Herald, 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin, IL 60123. The party took place at St. Francis de Sales Church in Lake Zurich, and drew nearly 500 people."Within 45 minutes of getting the go-ahead from the doctor, we made our flight reservations home," Taylor's mom, Laurie Radtke, said. "We wanted so badly to be able to surprise everyone."They arrived at the party to find the entire basement lined with silent auction items donated from the community, 350 in all. They ranged from sports, restaurant and spa packages, to children's gifts and handmade quilts. Some of the larger items came in at the last minute, including a Chicago Bears sign that had hung for two weeks in Halas Hall and had been autographed by nearly all of the players."We wanted to come early to surprise everyone, but when we saw all of this, we were speechless," said Taylor's dad, Jeff Radtke, a captain and shift commander in the Lake Zurich Fire Rescue department. "There are not enough thank-yous."Taylor kept circling around the room, looking at all of the auction items with her friends. Every half hour she ran excitedly to spin the wheel to pull the next auction prize."She's fine," her mother said. "She has a smile back on her face and it's so carefree."Otto Michaelis of Lake Zurich brought some hand carved wooden toys that he wanted to donate to the auction."It's for Taylor," he said.Schaumburg Fire Department Lt. Randy McCafferty said he remembers training Jeff Radtke when he first went into fire service. "They have been constantly in our prayers," said McCafferty, who live in Wonder Lake.Firefighters said they hoped to raise money to help the family with expenses not covered by insurance."We couldn't sit idly by," said Ingrid Skidmore of Lake Zurich Fire and Rescue. "There's such a brotherhood among firefighters. We had to do something to help."Laurie Radtke wiped away tears as she hugged friends and met benefactors who had come forward to help the family. She conceded there were bills waiting to be paid at home, and school work to get caught up on, but on Saturday, they celebrated."It's not a dream," she said. "It's our new life, our new life with our daughter." 512351Taylor Radtke and her mom Laurie, center, chat with Sharon Rodkey at a fundraiser for Taylor in Lake Zurich. The Radtkes weren't expected to make it and surprised the hundreds in attendance by showing up.George LeClaire | Staff Photographer