Benefit for Ryland Kollar set for May 11 in Lake Zurich
On Saturday, May 11, family, friends and members of the community will come together to celebrate the life of Ryland Kollar, a 23-year-old Lake Zurich native who has been battling leukemia for the last 11 years. The benefit, which will be held at American Legion Post 964, 51 Lions Drive, Lake Zurich, will raise money to help Ryland’s family defray the costs of his care.
Diagnosed at age 12 with T cell ALL, the rarest form of leukemia, Kollar has endured years of treatments and surgeries, including two bone marrow transplants, orthopedic procedures, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. He has permanent lung damage, deterioration of his joints, and a tumor in his eye that affects his vision. Despite this, his mother, Laura Santucci, emphasizes that Kollar holds on to every day and keeps a smile on his face.
Kollar is now a patient of Advocate Hospice, which is working closely with his family to make this time in their lives as peaceful, joyful and positive as possible.
The benefit, which begin at 6 p.m., will include live entertainment from the band JJAMZ, food and a cash bar, a 50/50 raffle, and an auction featuring autographed sports memorabilia, hotel stays, spa certificates, and more.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. To purchase a ticket or make a donation, visit PayPal: rylandkollar@yahoo.com.