Scouts load boxes of toys for delivery to Comer Children’s Hospital. (Courtesy of Michele Fortuna)
(chicagotribune.com) – Zach Fortuna, a 13-year-old Scout from Willowbrook this week delivered $15,000 in toys to Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago where is cousin, Chris Ellis, 6, of La Grange Park, is being treated for neuroblastoma.
Witnessing his young cousin’s battle against neuroblastoma inspired Zachary Fortuna’s Eagle Scout project.
The 13-year-old from Willowbrook this week delivered $15,000 worth of toys to Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago, where his cousin, Chris Ellis, 6, of La Grange Park, is being treated.
“I’ve seen how happy it makes the children to get toys,” said Zach. “It lifts their spirits. It makes their treatment easier.”
Zachary, a member of Boy Scout Troop 56 in Burr Ridge, started in March to collect enough toys to fill a 10-foot-long truck. He placed fliers and boxes at local stores and community gathering places such as the Indian Prairie Library in Darien, and any other place where people might be inclined to drop off a new toy.
He turned to his cousin, Chris, for ideas on the sorts of toys kids his age like.
“Chris was happy to list all the things he likes,” said Chris’ mother, Danielle Ellis, with a laugh.