Ride to benefit Wauconda officer

Eric Schultz started his road to recovery, completing chemotherapy to beat the cancer that was discovered last year.

He now faces physical rehabilitation in hopes of rejoining the Wauconda Police Department where he was hired before his diagnosis.

Wauconda once again will support Schultz by inviting motorcyclists and motorists to hit the road and raise money. A motorcycle ride, organized by the village and American Legion Riders Post 911 begins at 8 a.m. Sunday at Sideouts Bar and Eatery, 4018 Roberts Road, Island Lake.

Schultz joined Wauconda's police force in December 2006, but was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a common pediatric type of bone cancer, in November 2007.

Since then, fellow officers have donated their personal and vacation time to Schultz so he could take paid time off for medical treatment. The Fraternal Order of Police also organized a community bowling event last May to support Schultz.

Deputy Chief Patrick Yost said knowing Schultz is a motorcycle enthusiast who has many friends who belong to the American Legion Riders sparked the chance to organize another event to help him.

"We know with cancer treatment, medical bills are astronomical in most cases," he said. "We know many people run out of funds for various reasons."

Yost said Schultz is now on track to undergo physical rehabilitation to learn to use his prosthetic device after his right foot was amputated last February.

"He is working real hard in therapy to get back on his feet, so to speak," Yost said.

As soon as Schultz is able, he will return to his job in a limited capacity, and the department is already working to find a date he can do that, Yost said.

"Everybody is looking forward to seeing him come back," he said.

Registration to join Sunday's ride begins at 8 a.m. People can view raffle and auction items before the first group of riders leaves at 10 a.m. The cost is $20 per rider and $25 with a passenger.

The event is not limited to motorcyclists. Those who want to join the ride by car also are welcome. Yost added Schultz plans to attend the event and hopes he may be able to ride along by motorcycle.

"We are hoping to get a couple hundred people," he said. "The more, the merrier."

For information, call Yost at the Wauconda Police Department, (847) 526-2421 or Wauconda village hall at (847) 526-9600.