Bowling Event to Help Pay Medical Bills for Academy Teacher

Family, friends and co-workers are coming together to raise money in support of Chad Buccini, a teacher who is battling brain cancer.

Buccini, who teaches physical education for the academy’s Turnabout program, suffered a seizure in class in April. Four students were honored for coming to his aid, calling 911, following the dispatcher’s instructions and alerting other scademy staff until an ambulance arrived.

He was then taken to Adventist Hospital in Bolingbrook, and after a series of tests, a tumor was discovered on the right side of his brain.

The tumor, an oligodendroglioma, originated in the brain and may have been growing for 10 years. It is uncommon, but treatable.

“It was such a shock for someone as healthy as Chad to be sidelined like this,” said Gina Greenan, an English teacher at the Academy.

The good news is that Buccini’s prognosis is very good, and he is expecting to be on chemotherapy medication for two years.

Buccini, 30, who also helps with ’s driver’s education program, was forced to stop teaching this spring, but he is planning to teach again in the fall, Greenan said.

To help out with medical costs, a fundraiser will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at Kegler’s Bar and Grill, 905 Theodore St., Crest Hill.

For the $20 per ticket donation, adults can participate in cosmic bowling, enjoy pizza and drinks and listen to the live band, which will play until midnight.

A raffle and auction, featuring such items as a week’s stay at a Michigan vacation home; an iPad; autographed Cubs and White Sox memorabilia; Cubs, White Sox and Wolves tickets; spa packages and wine tasting parties, will take place. T-shirts and wristbands will also be sold.

Tickets can be bought in advanced at bowlforbuccini.eventbrite.com or at the door. Donations are also being accepted in care of the Chad Buccini Benefit Fund at BMO Harris Bank Plainfield North, 15101 S. Route 59, Plainfield.

Businesses can still sponsor lanes for $100, which includes a banner and acknowledgement in the program. Donations for the raffle and auction are still being accepted.

“Chad’s students adore him,” Greenan said. “The faculty adores him. He has a loving spirit. He’s energetic. He’s always willing to help. He truly cares about his students and co-workers. We want to help him the best we can.”  

For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page, Bowl for Buccini, or email the organizers at bowlforbuccini@yahoo.com