Friends helping West Chicago 8th-grader with leukemia

Family and friends of a West Chicago Middle School eighth-grader diagnosed with leukemia are rallying around the family to help with their mounting medical bills.

Diane Perez, 13, was diagnosed with the disease last fall. She is scheduled to receive a bone marrow transplant next week at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Karina Villa, a social worker at Diane's school, has helped rally classmates and teachers to organize several fundraisers.

Students put collection boxes in each of their classes and sold specialized Valentine's Day greetings.

Meanwhile, Villa and friends of the family held a charity dinner-dance last weekend at the Tamazula Grill in West Chicago, netting more than $3,300.

"There's been a real positive message sent with all the donations," Villa said. "Especially with the kids, it showed there is a strong sense of character in our community."

Friends of the Perez family helped organize another fundraiser today at Augustino's Rock and Roll Deli in West Chicago.

The restaurant will give 15 percent of its sales from 4 to 10 p.m. to the Perez family to help offset their medical costs.

"Hearing the family's story hit close to home," said Emerita Garcia, a West Chicago Middle School parent who helped persuade the restaurant to participate. "I had a brother-in-law who passed away from a rare blood cancer nearly two years ago … so I'll do what I can."

If you go

What: Fundraiser for Diane Perez

When: 4 to 10 p.m. today

Where: Augustino's Rock and Roll Deli, 300 W. North Ave., West Chicago

Details: The restaurant is donating 15 percent of its proceeds for patrons who mention Diane Perez to help offset the West Chicago Middle School girl's medical costs

Info: Call Emerita Garcia at (630) 440-7172