Fund set up to help family of Glendale Heights burn victims

A relief fund has been set up to help two hospitalized Glendale Heights brothers whose father is suspected of setting them on fire.

Contributors may visit any Harris Bank location to make a donation to "The Patel Children's Fund." It also is listed under their mother's name -- Nishaben K. Patel.

She has been unable to work while keeping a constant vigil for her two boys, Vishv, 7, and Om, 4, who remain hospitalized in Loyola University Medical Center's burn unit in Maywood.

"She needs financial help terribly," said Dee Bingham, a volunteer from Wheaton who set up the fund and raised $2,100 in contributions. "I can't imagine having any worse of an experience than someone hurting your children."

Prosecutors said the boys suffered severe burns over the majority of their bodies Nov. 18 when their father, Kaushik Patel, in a suicidal state, doused them with gasoline and lit the boys on fire in their home, which still is uninhabitable.

Initially, the boys weren't expected to survive.

On Friday, hospital officials for the first time released information about their condition, after receiving the family's permission. The boys are in critical, but stable condition.

"They are doing well given the severe nature of their injuries," said Perry Drake, a hospital spokesman. "Both have undergone multiple surgeries and are showing signs of progress in their healing and rehabilitation.

"The family has asked for their privacy, but wishes to thank those who are keeping the boys in their thoughts and prayers."

Kaushik Patel, 34, also is hospitalized at Loyola, but he has less severe burns. Prosecutors obtained an order of protection barring him from contacting his children.

DuPage State's Attorney Joseph Birkett plans to file criminal charges against Kaushik Patel as his medical condition improves.