Former Batavia golf coach still has health challenges

It’s been tougher than the toughest golf course for Rich Flores, but he continues to forge forward in his battle against primary amyloidosis, a rare disease affecting his heart and further complicated by a plasma cell cancer.

Friends have been busy organizing a Monday golf fundraiser for the popular golf instructor and former Batavia High School golf coach.

This health challenge comes with a lot of hospital visits, mounting medical costs and emotion.

“It’s been unbelievable,” said Flores’ brother-in-law, Tom Ryan, of the interest and support for the fundraiser. “But Rich knows a lot of people and they want to support him.”

Flores has been home recovering from a bone-marrow transplant, which calls for many more follow-up hospital visits.

“He’s getting kidney dialysis and that knocks him out for a couple of days, but if the stem cells are working, he should keep improving,” Ryan said. “Rich always remains optimistic and positive, and he gets pretty emotional when he thinks about how the fundraiser has grown.” The golf/dinner event has expanded from Pheasant Run to also include Mill Creek Golf Course. Golfers from both courses will meet at Pheasant Run for the dinner and silent auction. Registration for the dinner has been completed, but those who have not signed up can do so at the door for $75. Golfers who want to participate in the event and play at Mill Creek can still do so through Friday at friendsofrichflores.org or by calling Ryan at (630) 212-3588.

Another heartfelt fundraiser: An unexpected health setback is tough, but when discovering a virus has attacked your heart and you need a transplant, a lot of life’s plans get put on hold.Such is the case for Ed Platis, 30, who has been on a waiting list for a heart transplant for several months. His wife Jackie is a 2000 graduate of Burlington-Central High School, and their plans to renovate their Elmwood Park home and so many other dreams are being buried by medical bills.Jackie#146;s mother, Donna Stachnik of St. Charles, has been working feverishly to promote a 7 p.m. July 30 fundraising event at St. Charles Bowl.#147;The response has been wonderful, and we are hoping that a lot of people will come out to help,#148; said Stachnik, whose family has lived in St. Charles for 23 years. #147;We almost lost Ed and he is alive because of a surgically implanted pump. We are hoping for a transplant very soon.#148;The $20 cost covers bowling and shoe rental, but door prizes, a silent auction, giveaways, food and a cash bar will also be available.Signup and more information about the fundraiser are available at HaveAHeartForEd.org.A movie fallout: I am old school when it comes to movie viewing. I still drive to Blockbuster to rent a DVD #8212; at least until last Sunday. I was surprised to see the Blockbuster on Randall Road in Geneva empty and dark. Chalk another one up to changing technology and a bad economy. I don#146;t mind stopping at the Blockbuster on Route 38 in St. Charles, but it#146;s certainly not as convenient.dheun@sbcglobal.net