Elgin council member in ICU for asthma attacks says: full recovery expected

Elgin City Council member Bob Gilliam, who was recently moved to an intensive care unit following an asthma attack, issued a statement Monday reassuring residents that he's prepared for the upcoming election.

“I am still at St. Joseph's hospital as a result of the severe asthma attack I recently suffered. As a precautionary measure, I was moved into ICU a few days ago. I have been down this road before with my asthma and want to assure residents that asthma is a very common condition and completely treatable,” he said.

Elgin lawyer Tracy Ellis said Gilliam, 67, “is doing well.”

“I saw him today and talked with him today,” she said.

Gilliam is a retired educator who was first elected in 1973. He is among 13 candidates running for four, 4-year seats on the Elgin City Council in the April 9 election.

Ellis made a statement on Gilliam's behalf when he was unable to attend a March 24 election forum organized by the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area at the Gail Borden Public Library.

Gilliam has suffered from asthma his whole adult life, Ellis said on Tuesday.

“As has always been the case, I expect a full recovery and look forward to celebrating a victory in next week's election. I appreciate the outpouring of support and get well wishes I've received from residents from every segment of the community, and I look forward to continuing to serve as your City Councilman,” he said in the statement.