Huntley police Sgt., Palatine native's memory to be honored at Sept. 15 fundraiser

Former Huntley Police Sergeant and Palatine native LJ Marak succumbed to cancer at the young age of 40 from a rare and aggressive soft-tissue cancer called synovial sarcoma. Huntley police, family, and Palatine community members have rallied together to host an upcoming fundraiser to benefit the Marak family. Sgt. Marak is survived by his wife, Kim, and three young sons.

In 2002, Marak Joined the Huntley Police Department as a patrol officer, and was promoted to sergeant in 2010. Marak, who was diagnosed in early 2014, went through radiation and chemotherapy in hopes of going into remission, but a year later, L.J. found out his illness was terminal.

Marak decided to go on permanent disability leave in July 2016 to focus on spending quality time with his children. He passed away on Aug. 23, 2016.

The Palatine and Huntley communities continue to display tremendous support for the Marak family, hosting fundraisers such as the Durty Nellie's event, and another coming up on Sept. 25. There also is an online GoFundMe page that has raised more than $86,000 to date.

The fundraiser for L.J. will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St. in Palatine. The event will have a silent auction, appetizers, drinks, raffles, and live music.

All proceeds will go to the Marak family to offset costly medical bills and to help pay off their mortgage.

For more information and to donate to the Marak family, visit www.GoFundMe.com/2z7a5k4k.