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Monday, August 19, 2013 Kylie Olson
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Vaccine push targets older youths Local school districts require proof of Tdap vaccine for 6th- through 12th-graders By FELIX SARVER fsarver@shawmedia.com DeKALB – Even though diseases such as polio and rubella aren’t widespread anymore, protecting against them is still a priority for the DeKalb County Health Department. Jane Lux, the county’s public health administrator, said preventing diseases in enough
people through vaccines can create “herd immunity,” which helps protect the most vulnerable: infants, people with chronic illnesses and senior citizens. “When enough people have been vaccinated, it helps protect the whole community,” she said. It’s a message Lux is emphasizing as children return
Big state GOP donors leaning Rauner’s way By the numbers
Bruce Rauner, venture capitalist, raised $915,000 in the second quarter of 2013.
Kirk Dillard, state senator, raised $293,000 in the second quarter of 2013.
Dan Rutherford, Ill. treasurer, raised $133,000 in the second quarter of 2013.
Bill Brady, state senator, raised $61,000 in the second quarter of 2013.
to school and as part of National Immunization Awareness Month. Whooping cough rates have risen statewide, so state leaders are requiring students entering sixth through 12th grades to show proof that they have had the Tdap vaccine, which protects against whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria. Research shows immunity
developed for these diseases during childhood starts to wane as people get older, Lux said. Children receive vaccines for them as part of their childhood vaccine schedule but as they head into their adolescent and adult years, the immunity weakens. Many older students have already received the Tdap vaccine and just need to show
the proper documentation. The county health department partners with area school districts to notify parents and get students the vaccines they need. Sue Voss, a certified nurse with DeKalb School District 428, said last year around 100 students in the district took
See VACCINES, page A4
By the numbers n 2: Suspected cases of whooping cough reported in 2013 for DeKalb County. n 22: Cases of whooping cough reported in 2012 for DeKalb County. n 4: Cases of whooping cough reported in 2011 for DeKalb County.
Little off top for ‘Super D’ Shave-a-Thon fundraiser helps cancer patient, 3, in Shabbona
By SARA BURNETT The Associated Press CHICAGO – Anxious to clear a path back to the governor’s office, some of the Illinois Republican party’s deepest-pocketed donors are abandoning candidates they previously supported with five- and six-figure donations and directing their money to the only political newcomer in the race – venture capitalist Bruce Rauner. Rauner is a billionaire who – at least financially speaking – doesn’t need the help, and money doesn’t always decide Illinois primary races. But if the pattern holds, it could make it difficult for his opponents – state Sens. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard and Treasurer Dan Rutherford – to fight back with television advertising, mailers or fly-around events, particularly in crucial weeks before the March primary election. “That’s going to be their problem, I believe,” said Ron Gidwitz, a former Illinois Republican party chairman and gubernatorial candidate who’s serving as Rauner’s finance chairman. Four years ago, Gidwitz held the same position for the Dillard campaign and contributed more than $300,000 to Dillard in donations and loans. The wealthy businessman is among a handful of heavy-hitting GOP fundraisers who say they grew frustrated after a razor-thin loss in the 2010 governor’s race and a thumping at the polls in 2012 and decided it was time to try something different. They wanted a pro-business candidate who could win statewide and who hadn’t been part of the Springfield establishment. And they wanted the other would-be candidates to sit out the election so the party could avoid a potentially divisive and costly primary. “There’s a certain time in which [known candidates] have to say ‘I’ve tried often enough,it’stimetostepback,’ ” said Elizabeth Christie, a retired executive and one of the biggest donors to the state GOP who gave $20,000 to Brady’s 2010 bid and is now a chairwoman of Rauner’s campaign. “I believe a lot of donors are saying it’s time ... and I think you’re seeing
See GOP, page A4
Photos by Monica Maschak – mmaschak@shawmedia.com
Dylan Carey, 3, watched intently as his idol, Superman, has his head shaved Saturday at a shave-a-thon fundraiser for Dylan at Q Salon and Quinn’s Grooming Parlour in Shabbona. The 3-year-old was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in July.
How to help To donate to the Carey family, purchase a “Super D” T-shirt at www. booster.com/ superd2 or send a check to the Dylan Carey fund at First State Bank, 203 W. Comanche Ave., Shabbona, IL 60665. All proceeds will benefit the Carey family.
Voice your opinion Would you shave your head for a fundraiser? Vote online at Daily-Chronicle.com.
By ANDREA AZZO news@daily-chronicle.com SHABBONA – Superman rode his motorcycle Saturday to Q Salon and Quinn’s Grooming Parlour for Men in Shabbona on a special mission – to shave his head for a boy in need. The Man of Steel was among dozens who received a buzz cut during the Shave-a-Thon fundraiser, which benefitted Dylan Carey, 3, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on July 4. Neuroblastoma is a form of pediatric cancer that has spread to Dylan’s bone marrow. The event raised $3,748 for the Carey family from haircuts and raffles. The family has numerous bills and medical expenses from Dylan’s treatment. Dylan’s face lit up when Superman greeted him. “It was awesome,” said Tyler Hunt, the man behind the costume. “That’s the whole reason why I did
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this.” Family and friends wore Superman-themed shirts with the letter “D” replacing the famed “S” on the chest. Dylan loves superheroes, said his mom, Chris. “The [Superman] movie was coming out when he was diagnosed, and he expressed interest,” Chris Carey said. “Then everyone started calling him ‘Super D.’ ” Dylan has stage four high-risk neuroblastoma, which means there is a higher probability his cancer will come back. He receives chemotherapy for a week out of every month and visits the doctor twice a week. Dylan is home for three weeks every month, and when he is, he’s a normal kid, Chris said. He still plays outside with friends and rides his bike. Stephanie Deutsch’s sons, 8-year-old Ronny and 6-year-old Luke, got their heads shaved because they wanted to support their
friend. They don’t know Dylan has cancer, but they know they can’t play with him when they are sick, Stephanie Deutsch said. “[When they play together], it’s the same. Everything’s normal,” she said. “They ride bikes, try to catch bugs and play fireman. … It’s very important to keep it normal because it helps him get through everything.” Karen Carey, Dylan’s stepgrandmother, decided to shave her head as soon as she heard about the event. She even made a few headbands to wear afterward. Dylan’s father, Tim, got his head shaved, too. When Dylan saw his bald dad, he said they were now twins, said Samantha Hunt, the event organizer. “He’s so happy today,” Hunt said. “It’s nice to see. … He’s been poked and prodded for so long.”
See FUNDRAISER, page A4
[When Dylan, Ronny and Luke play together], it’s the same. Everything’s normal. They ride bikes, try to catch bugs and play fireman. … It’s very important to keep it normal because it helps [Dylan] get through everything. Stephanie Deutsch, Ronny and Luke’s mom
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