Otter Creek students learn meaning of generosity

The spirit of giving abounds at Otter Creek Elementary School in Elgin.

In less than three weeks, the school has collected $2,000 to help defray costs for a family with four children with serious medical issues.

"The students are really learning the power of giving," said Laura Mooberry, a special-education teacher at the school and organizer of the fundraiser. "I really didn't think it was going to be this huge, but the kids are taking it so seriously."

Rob and Kelly Whistler's four children each have different challenges.

Kayli, just five months old, was born with Edwards syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder. Many children born with the disease, Kelly Whistler said, are either stillborn or die within their first year.

Three-year-old Nicholas, who attends Otter Creek's preschool program, has an inoperable brain tumor.

Nine-year-old Jacob was diagnosed with mild autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory integration dysfunction (which interferes with his ability to feel pain), and eosinophilic esophagitis, an allergic inflammatory disease.

Sixteen-year-old Steve, a sophomore at South Elgin High School, has degenerative disc disease, which caused him to break his back when playing baseball two years ago. He has had five spine surgeries since then and contracted MRSA from one of the surgeries. Steve is allergic to both antibiotics that commonly fight MRSA.

Despite so many challenges, the family, which lives in St. Charles, strives to keep a positive outlook.

Kelly Whistler says she simply feels blessed to have the chance to be the mother of four bright, determined individuals.

"We're not promised tomorrow with them, but you've just got to look at what you have," she said.

Still, money is tight.

Medical costs, Kelly said, are sky high. With the children requiring constant medical attention, Kelly is unable to work, and the family is living off one small income.

Mooberry said the idea for the fundraiser started when a group of teachers began talking about how they could help the Whistlers.

Principal Jeff Bragg agreed to station glass change jars in each classroom.

"I dropped Nicholas off one day and three teachers came out to greet me," Kelley Whistler said. "They've been so supportive.

Mooberry said the school was able to write the family a check for $1,700 after just three weeks. And collected another $300 in the last few days.

The money, Kelly said, has helped tremendously with rent costs and doctor bills.

The fundraiser will continue through Nov. 1.

"It's hard to accept the fundraising money because it's from children," Kelley said. "And our whole thing is providing for children. It makes us cry because it's so generous."

Those who'd also like to help the Whistler family can send checks to The Lovin Life Fund at Associated Bank, 300 N. McLean Blvd., South Elgin.