Fundraiser Launched to Help Plainfield Mom, Son Battling Illness

Last November, Debbie Loughlin was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.

After 16 rounds of chemo and a lumpectomy, the 43-year-old Plainfield mom continues her fight after learning the cancer has spread into her lymphatic system — but now the Loughlin family is facing a new challenge.

Two weeks ago, 14-year-old son Kyle was diagnosed with a brain tumor. 

"It's inoperable, but they do not know if it's cancer," said neighbor and longtime family friend Jeannine Zupo, who has known Debbie Loughlin since high school. Doctors are treating the teen with chemotherapy in the hopes of shrinking the tumor, located on an artery behind his left eye. The location of the tumor makes it too risky to remove, Zupo said.

With medical bills mounting — and dad Marty Loughlin still looking for work after a year of unemployment — Zupo has launched a fundraiser for the family.

"I just didn't want them to have to worry about finances and paying medical bills while they're going through all this medical stuff," said Zupo, who fundraises for a living for the non-profit Marklund organization.

An online fundraiser establied at GiveForward.com generated more than $20,000 in just three days, according to Zupo. 

"It's amazing," she said. "I get an email every time somebody donates — every dollar donated has a prayer attached to it," she added. 

As of Wednesday, the fundraiser was at more than $35,000; Zupo set a goal of $50,000.

In addition to the online fundraiser, Zupo said kids in the Grande Park neighborhood have been selling red and blue bracelets — Kyle's favorite colors — in honor of the teen. They've raised more than $1,000, she said.

The outpouring of support has helped lift the spirits of the Loughlin family as both mother and son battle their illnesses.

"[Debbie] is exhausted — mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted," Zupo said. "As any mom would, she wants to take care of her kid. But she's a fighter — she's a faith-filled woman."

Kyle has been a source of strength for the family, too.

"I have never seen him without not smiling," Zupo said. "I think it's a gift. He is helping the whole family get through this." Zupo said the teen hopes to begin his freshman year at Oswego East High School later this month.

Click here to donate to the Loughlin family fundraiser. To purchase a "K" bracelet in honor of Kyle, or if you'd like to sell bracelets, contact Zupo at 630-624-9874.

Stay up to date on the Loughlin family by following mom Debbie's blog.