Generous and giving, even while fighting rare cancer

Kimberly Ann Blum of Grayslake was remembered as a woman who valiantly fought a rare stomach cancer while continuing to be a terrific mother and a caring friend.

Mrs. Blum, 33, died Tuesday at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. She was diagnosed with well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma after she had hernia surgery in 2005.

Known as a coach for gymnastics, dance and acrobatic tumbling, her reach went far in the Grayslake community. She also spent six years as cheerleading coach for the Grayslake Colts youth organization.

Hainesville resident Karen Page was among Mrs. Blum's wide circle of friends. Page said she'll always remember how Blum traveled to a Wisconsin hospital on three consecutive days when her son underwent brain surgery.

"It's the best example I can come up with on how generous Kim was," said Page, who considered Mrs. Blum her best friend for the past eight years.

Kristine Maher of Des Plaines said she became friends with Mrs. Blum about 11 years ago. The women met while working at Karen's School of Acrobatics & Dance in Park Ridge.

Maher said Mrs. Blum was a devoted and involved mother of three children who was strong throughout her cancer fight. She said some of her favorite times with her friend were when they went on family camping trips.

"She was very loving, very giving," Maher said Wednesday. "She would give you the clothes off her back."

Friends also recalled how Mrs. Blum was known for her patriotism. Maher said at a sports event, for example, Mrs. Blum would become frustrated with spectators who didn't place their hands over their hearts during the national anthem.

"She was very patriotic," Maher said. "The flag -- red, white and blue -- meant so much to her."

Page said Mrs. Blum was a big supporter of the U.S. military fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Blum's survivors include her husband of 16 years, Erich, and her three children: Kristina, Ashley and Erich Jr.

"She was a great mother," Erich Blum said. "Everything she did was for the kids."

A wake is set from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Strang Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake. A funeral service is scheduled at Strang at noon Saturday, followed by entombment in Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.