2012 Host Family Wrap Up

2012 Host Family

2012 Host FamilyThis years host family was the Cuiching Family from Lemont, whose story touch many firsthand at the 2012 Cocktail Party this past April or when seen in their video on our website. The Cuichings are a warm and loving family that has been dealt quite a few blows over the last year; the largest being daughter Ellies brain tumor. With several surgeries under her belt at the age of 7, Ellie still has a long road ahead of her.

For our 20th Anniversary we wanted to give big and Ellie was our inspiration. A day of fun was planned for the family before the event even began. The day began with a limo ride to the hotel. Then a few hours to play at the Hyatt Lodge pool with toys donated from One For The Kids. The facility was awesome Kyle (Ellies Mother) said when asked about their stay. Ellie and Jack got to swim before the event and then again the following morning. It was their favorite part of the day.

When the party began that evening, the family was greeted by an amazing turn out of over 400 people. Many friends and family, but an overwhelming amount of strangers there to help a family they had never met. Every time I think of the event it puts a smile on my face Kyle told us. She recalls fondly the night out with her extended family as the highlight of this year. The band was amazing , and we had a great time dancing with family and friends all night. The surprise was late night cheeseburgers brought out on silver platters, which were also a Cuiching family favorite.

After a great night of dancing, its back to the real world for the Cuichings and summer vacation for their children. Ellie and Jack are standing up in a relatives wedding this summer in California, thanks to donated frequent flyer miles from Kyles amazingly supportive sister. They are also able to visit husband Davids family on their trip. With money raised from the Cocktail Party this year large repairs can be made this summer on the Cuichings home. The home has flooded several times, causing structural damage. Kyle wanted to give a special thanks to Dan Irwin, a One For The Kids board member, for reaching out to local officials in Lemont regarding their home. The city of Lemont came out to the property and was able to repair the street, so the Cuichings home would no longer flood.

Just in time for summer the family has recently received some more good news. Ellie had an MRI the week of the cocktail party and we promised a follow up on her progress. We are happy to say the tumor has shown no sign of growth for the first time since she was diagnosed. This is amazing news, which could mean her chemo treatments have been working. The family is overjoyed and that stands, as a much needed boost of confidence for Kyle and David. Ellie inspires me on a daily basis. I think of Ellie and how much she has endured but yet still goes to school and does not complain. The journey for Ellie is not yet over and One For The Kids will keep you updated on her progress. Check our website for event photos and the Cuichings video story.

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