Lemont Firefighters Raise $7,500 for Former Chief's Granddaughter

The firefighters in the Lemont Fire Protection District consider themselves a family—no more so than one of their own is facing difficult times.

On June 24,, the Lemont Firefighters Local 3966 held its 12th annual golf outing in honor of Katie Churulo, the granddaughter of then fire chief Carl Churulo.

Katie, who turned 5 in August, is battling two rare diseases. She has already endured two open heart surgeries for a congenital heart defect called Truncus Arteriosus, and in September 2012 she was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLS), a rare immune system disorder that could cause full systemic organ failure if left untreated.

Doctors expect that Katie will need another open heart surgery when she's 9 years old. She will also eventually need a bone marrow transplant for the HLH if drug therapy does not put her into remission.

Through golf outing participation and donations, the Lemont firefighters' union was able to raise $7,500 for Katie's medical expenses. Union president Dave Spivak presented the check to Katie's mom, Stephanie Churulo, on Sept. 26.

"It's family," Spivak said of the golf outing. "It's about one big family—no matter the age, or whoever it is."

Stephanie Churulo said she and her husband, Tom, are grateful for the ongoing support from the Lemont Fire Protection District, which also held a "Be the Match" bone marrow donor registry last October in Katie's honor.

"We're extremely thankful to have so many people who care about Katie and want to support us," Stephanie Churulo said. "This is a huge help."

Despite Katie's health challenges, she is still as active as ever and is enjoying being a new kindergartener, Stephanie said.

"She's doing OK right now, so we're just taking things day by day," Stephanie said.

Carl Churulo, who retired from the Lemont Fire Protection District in August, attended the check presentation with his wife Phyllis. He said the union's donation "means the world" to him and his family.

"It's overwhelming," Chief Churulo said. "I've always said that those in the fire service are a family, and these guys have really shown that here in Lemont. We're very grateful to be part of this family."

For more information about Katie and to see how you can help, go to www.katiesyellowbrickroad.org.