Community Corner

Casino Night to Benefit Western Springs Firefighter with ALS

The event will raise funds to help support Dick Jacobson and his family as he battles Lou Gehrig's disease.

First responders look after each other, both on the job and off.

“If you’re in the fire service, you’re considered a brother or sister, you’re so close,” Deputy Fire Chief Gary Mayor said. 

So when Western Springs Fire Lt. Dick Jacobson was diagnosed with ALS, there was never a question whether the rest of the department would come to his aid.

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The Western Springs Fire & Rescue Association is hosting a Casino Night on Friday at the Village Club of Western Springs to help support Jacobson and his family during his fight.

Jacobson was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a little more than a year-and-a-half ago.

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He was still working, driving and living a moderately normal life at this time last year. Now, confined to a wheelchair, he’s on disability with minimal use of his arms and virtually no use of his legs. His breathing is impaired and he relies on others to help him with most of his day-to-day activities.

Proceeds from Friday’s event will help pay for a caretaker beyond what insurance covers, as well as supplement the cost of several home improvement projects.

“We’re trying to do anything we can do that will be a benefit to him,” Mayor said.

In addition to casino games, the fundraiser will feature a silent auction, split-the-pot raffle, food and music from a DJ.

Some of the prizes include White Sox tickets packaged with a parking pass, a popcorn maker cart and $100 gift certificates to a variety of local restaurants.

The department is also accepting donations on behalf of the Jacobson family if you can’t make the casino night but still want to give. But Mayor said he’s hoping the turnout leaves the Village Club bursting at the seams with guests.

“The venue holds around 200 people,” he said. “If we could fill it, that would be great. If we could fill it and have to put up a tent, that would be even better.”

The Casino Night to Benefit Lt. Dick Jacobson is scheduled to run from 7-midnight Friday at the Village Club of Western Springs, 4221 Lawn Ave. Tickets are $50 and include food, drink and entertainment. The optional gaming period will take place from 8-11 p.m. For more information or to donate, visitwww.wsfirerescue.org.

Read more about how Dick Jacobson has turned his diagnosis into advocacy at the national level.


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