LITH cancer survivor wins new VW
Stephanie Flood of Lake in the Hills has received an early Christmas present — in the form of a brand new, sky blue Volkswagen Beetle.
Flood, 23, won the grand prize in Fox Valley Volkswagen's Lovebug 2 contest, which asked people to nominate someone who is giving back to his or her community.
“I'm still kind of flabbergasted,” Flood said of winning the $20,000 car. “I look out the window to make sure that it's real and that it really happened.”
Flood, a brain cancer survivor, spent the summer interning at Children's Memorial Hospital, where she spoke on the hospital's behalf by sharing her story at charity events,
She was diagnosed with ependymoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, when she was 9 years old and spent the next few years undergoing several surgeries and radiation treatments at Children's.
Flood has been cancer free for seven years, but has had a few ongoing health issues, including a small stroke that left the left side of her face numb.
Still, she never forgot her struggle.
In addition to sharing her story with the public, Flood also planned Relay For Life events that raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society.
She chaired the 2008 event at Elgin Community College and served as its co-chair in 2009 at Northern Illinois University.
Flood said she also interned for U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo in Washington and lobbied Congress to help fund cancer research.
In May, Flood's 1995 Toyota Camry finally bit the dust and she has been without wheels ever since.
In the interim, she used public transportation, borrowed her parents' 2002 Hyundai and bummed rides from friends to get around.
“My friends have been very nice,” Flood said.
Flood's aunt Jenny Dzierozynski nominated her for the contest that began in June, pointing to Flood's volunteer efforts and the fact that she was now without car.
“Recently, her old car broke down and cannot be repaired,” Dzierozynski wrote in her nomination. “Please don't let this roadblock keep her from continuing her life's mission.”
As part of the second-annual web contest, the public voted for their favorite contestant on the contest's website. The brain cancer survivor was one of 15 finalists and 100 nominees.
Flood, with her parents Kevin and Ursula, her Aunt Jenny, several other family members and doctors in tow, picked up her limited edition 2010 Beetle recently at the dealership's West Chicago location. #8220;We were standing there and it was just excitement, but we were kind of stunned.#8221; said Flood's father, Kevin. #8220;The only thing we can compare it to is #8216;The Price is Right,' #8216;A new car!'#8221;
The first place Flood went in her in new ride was Chicago, where she drove her family to a Christmas party.
But that may not be the end of her long-distance driving.
#8220;Now Stephanie says she wants to take a road trip and go visit everyone who personally voted for her and give them all a ride,#8221; said her mother, Ursula.