Pediatric oncology nurse draws strength from own tragedy
The feedback MaryAnn Shiltz receives when she tells people that she is a nurse who specializes in care for children with cancer is what fuels her passion to continue.
"They say they could never do that because it would be too sad, too grim and too emotional," said Shiltz, a Batavia mother who was recently honored as the Nurse of the Month at Chamberlain College of Nursing for her work in pediatric oncology.
Shiltz has another enormous motivation in her work, as it is done to honor her eldest daughter, who died from a brain tumor at age 6.
"Because I can do this work, I should, but it's not only a mission to honor my daughter," Shiltz said. "I believe that if we can do the hard things in life, we should. There are people who are 100 percent dedicated to these difficult things."
Shiltz, who volunteers at Living Well Cancer Center in Geneva in addition to caring for 15 to 30 families in the western suburbs and pursuing a master's in nursing at Rush University, said she fully understands the emotions at work.
"There are times when I got out to my car and cry, and there are times I cry with the family, but I have been through it myself and it helps for me to tell my story," Shiltz explained.
Shiltz said when family members see how she rebounded from the loss of a child, they realize that "I can live through this and do something."
Some families with ill children "hunker down and get isolated," while others "step out on a journey and live life to its fullest," she said.
"You have to respect the way the family has chosen to deal with this, and realize that they have to live with this the rest of their lives," Shiltz said. "I am so proud and humbled to be a part of this."
Shiltz was nominated for her nursing honor by the parents of a 7-year-old North Aurora boy suffering from a disease of the immune system similar to cancer.
Restaurant work continues: Fans of the former Rib House on Geneva's east side have watched with curiosity as the building undergoes a makeover.
The new owner requested his name not be used until he has a specific opening date for a new restaurant on that site called "Riganato." He did say it will be a restaurant "for the everyday person," featuring sandwiches, pizza, steak and seafood.
The city granted approval for the plans last fall, but there have been some building delays. A second phase of the plan calls for the elimination of the "Me and Dad's Toys" building, which would provide more parking for a new restaurant.
Solid clinic: You can't go wrong at a free football clinic in which Northern Illinois coach Jerry Kill speaks. He is a terrific motivator.
Youth players and coaches who attend the Cadets Football Clinic on June 5 at Marmion will find that out. They'll also get lunch and a free T-shirt, and they'll meet San Diego Charger Larry English, a former Cadet and NIU Huskie.