Taylor Radtke having the time of her life

The first time I talked with Laurie Radtke four months ago, she was filled with panic, sobbing as she described the desperate quest to find help for her daughter Taylor.

Friday, she was filled with wonder.

"It's awesome," the Johnsburg mom said as she stood watching Taylor amid ESPN's National High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, the second half of the little girl's Make-A-Wish dream.

"I'm watching her have the time of her life, and I couldn't be happier for her. It's exhilarating," Laurie said as she watched her 7-year-old cheerleading fan soak in the sport she loves.

"She hasn't stopped smiling," Laurie said. "She's in cheerleading heaven."

Earlier Coverage Seven-year-old Taylor Radtke, diagnosed with a rare tumor that threatens her vision and mobility, needed life-saving surgery that few doctors were willing to perform. Stories Taylor Radtke having the time of her life [02/10/08] Taylor pays surprise visit to fundraiser [11/11/07] New diagnosis for Taylor, but future still bright [11/07/07] Taylor released from hospital [10/28/07] Taylor's recovery going well [10/27/07] Taylor released from the hospital [10/27/07] Taylor's 'inoperable' tumor removed [10/26/07] Fear, hope as Taylor's surgery begins [10/25/07] Lake Zurich fundraiser to benefit girl [10/22/07] The surgeon who wouldn't say no [10/21/07] Taylor's surgery next week [10/19/07] Firefighters, friends, strangers all help Taylor [10/18/07] Column: On a cross-country ride of hope [10/18/07] Taylor's trip a dream come true [10/17/07] Taylor's smiles choke up dad [10/16/07] Editorial: Story brings heartfelt response [10/16/07] A dream comes true [10/15/07] Wish has Radtkes' riding high [10/14/07] Taylor finds doctor to do the surgery [10/13/07] You've already done so much for little Taylor [10/12/07] Ailing girl's parents buoyed by support [10/12/07] Outpouring of help eases pain for Johnsburg family [10/11/07] McHenry Co. family praying for 'miracle' cure to help save their daughter [10/10/07] Video Taylor's surgery Visiting the doctor Special zoo tour At Sea World At the zoo Taylor goes onboard How you can help DONATE - Donations for Taylor Radtke are being accepted at First Midwest Bank's Johnsburg branch, 3805 N. Johnsburg Road, and McHenry branch, 1308 N. Route 31. Funds raised will be put toward research, travel expenses and medical costs. SEND A CARD - If you'd like to write the Radtkes a card, please send them courtesy of Amy Mack, Daily Herald, 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin, IL 60123. That's for sure. Taylor didn't know where to look as about 30 teams practiced in front of her. The best part? "When I get to go to the finals," Taylor said with her trademark giggle. You can see for yourself if you watch ESPN2 tonight when the cheerleading finals air from Orlando. Taylor will be right up front, thanks to the ESPN folks who have given the cheer fan and her family a heckuva treat.It's been four months since the beginning of an amazing journey that saw many of you reach out to the Johnsburg family as it sought and found help for what was believed to be an inoperable tumor.What turned out to be a rare bone disease called fibrous dysplasia was successfully removed by Arizona neurosurgeons, including Dr. Robert Spetzler, who took on the complex case amid an incredible outpouring of support for the Radtkes from throughout the region.Taylor is doing well, Laurie said, despite ongoing fatigue and the hearing and vision challenges that likely will continue. She will return to Phoenix for a tumor checkup in April. She also faces a complication from a new issue -- a soft tissue problem causing periodic severe pain in her leg -- which will require another surgery in coming months to alleviate.For now, the family is enjoying every moment of "normal" and relishing the joy of a trip to the cheerleading finals. And they continue to be grateful for all the support from so many people.Mostly they just watch Taylor and marvel. "I'm grateful she's alive and she's got a smile on her face," Laurie said. "It's the best feeling."I'll say.So, I'm a wimp now?"Don't be a wimp," one reader told me as he advised me to bash Community Unit School District 300 over its decision to remain open during that nasty storm Wednesday and then close Thursday when no snow fell. I'd suggested we not gripe about the Thursday closure -- it seems to me we'd want schools to be extra cautious with our children's safety.So, with respect to that not-so-gentle reader, I'll take a pass on the bashing. Superintendent Ken Arndt pretty quickly acknowledged it was a mistake to remain open Wednesday. If he hadn't, I'd feel differently, but I don't think it's helpful to bash just to bash -- do you?Get there early!Sounds like there will be plenty of cheering going on in Huntley this afternoon. You can still get tickets for the Community Showcase, featuring some of the Huntley area's finest talent at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at the Huntley High School.If you don't already have tickets, better get there early! It's $10 for adults, $8 for children, with proceeds going to the District 158 Education Foundation.Among the talent-packed cast, you'll hear Del Webb Idol winner Ray Thomas belt out "Unchained Melody" and Glen Jorian's compelling "Sunrise, Sunset" with Marlowe Middle School students.Huntley High School sophomore singer Cody Oates, accompanied by junior A.J. Stevens, will surely catch your attention as will junior Hannah Smith on the dance floor.I hear they're among a talented cast that will keep your feet tapping and your hands clapping.Meet CharlieBaby Cynor has a name. And, although her parents appreciate my clever boss' suggestion to name her Demi, the McHenry County Democratic Party chairman, Tom Cynor, and his "quite independent" wife, Kathy, chose to go with Charlotte Rose Cynor. The little girl, who started her Election Night push as the polls closed, will go by "Charlie" for short after her mommy's dad. Tom says they're feeling very blessed, thanks everyone for their support and prayers and notes his daughter, like her father, is already demanding change ... of diapers, please. 384512At the national cheerleading finals, Taylor gets a lift to the top "flyer" position from cheerleaders from Houston High School in Tennessee who met the Radtke family on the bus ride from the airport.