Life-saving surgery on McHenry Co. girl Friday afternoon

With a promise of plenty of her favorite mashed potatoes and ice cream to come when it's over, Taylor Radtke will fast this morning in preparation for surgery rescheduled for Friday afternoon.

Swine flu restrictions at Phoenix Children's Hospital prompted the Radtkes to decide not do the surgery as planned there Thursday because only one parent would be permitted.

Instead, surgery has been scheduled at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix where doctors successfully removed Taylor's "inoperable" tumor in 2007.

"Things happen for a reason," Taylor's mom, Laurie Radtke, said.

Taylor, of Johnsburg, captured the hearts of many almost two years ago when her first medical battle was chronicled in the Daily Herald. This time, there are at least two tumors, a possible infection and the likely removal and replacements of the bones that hold her head in place.

As for Taylor, 9, who loves cheerleading, monkeys and ice cream, her thoughts quickly turned positive.

"I can eat. I can eat," she happily said to her mother before gobbling down a blueberry muffin Thursday.

It'll be a different story Friday, her mom said, since the surgery is not slated until early afternoon. But plenty of mashed potatoes and ice cream will be waiting, she promised Taylor.