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PHOTOS: Wilmette, Glenview Come Together to Help a Family

Wilmette and Glenview residents and organizations helped raised $8,000 to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for a Romona Elementary School family.

By Chi-an Chang
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September 5, 2012

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Cathy Kurtz with Addie inside the van.

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Wilmette firefighter Ben Wozney helped raised $8,000 to purchase a wheelchair accessible van for his neighbor, the Kurtz family.

Credit Chi-an Chang

The community gathered Tuesday at Cunliff Park to surprise the Kurtz family with the van.

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(From left to right) David Kurtz, Ben Wozney and Wilmette Fire Chief James W. Dominik.

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“It was just extraordinary touching,” David Kurtz said tearing up when the community presented the van to the family Tuesday. “It’s amazing the outpouring and generosity of people, it came entirely unexpected to me.”

Credit Chi-an Chang

Growing up Kurtz’s daughter Addie, 6, was a happy baby until she was suddenly diagnosed with severe neurologic disorder as a toddler. For past couple of years, the Kurtz have had to schedule Addie’s appointments around various factors such as David’s availability to help lift her, or around Addie’s feeding schedule since she requires a feeding pump.

Credit Chi-an Chang

“We’ve had to plan our trips outside of her feeding time,” David said. “Now with the wheelchair van, she can continue feeding if we ever need to leave. So it’s going to make our lives a lot easier.”

Credit Chi-an Chang

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Related Topics: Wilmette Fire Department, Wilmette Optimist Club, Wilmette Rotary Club, and romona elementary school

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