Fundraiser Next Week for 2012 OEHS Grad Battling Cancer

A recent OEHS graduate has already had quite a battle in her young life, and is continuing the fight. And she could use a little help.

Caitlin Ostrom, a 2012 graduate of Oswego East, is undergoing treatment Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNST), which is an extremely aggressive type of cancer and despite  equally aggressive treatment it continues to spread. 

The cancer is a rare occurrence resulting from neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes the growth of noncancerous tumors in the body that Ostrom was diagnosed with as a baby. 

Ostrom previously had a leg amputation in 2008 because of the neurofibromatosis.

Despite these challenges, Ostrom graduated from OEHS and went to the University of Missouri to become an oncology nurse. She transferred to Aurora University after her health began to decline due to what was found this summer to be the cancerous tumor.

Friends of Ostrom and her family are looking to the community to help support Caitlin's medical needs as well as doctor visits.

They are holding a fundraiser on Monday, Nov. 4 at the Oswego Tap House Grill, 123 Washington Street. 

The fundraiser goes from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and will include a buffet from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. for $20 per person and draft beer specials.

Raffles for prizes such as Bulls tickets, Blackhawks tickets, Photography sessions, Home Brewing experiences, Fuji Camera, and much more will also be available.

 A Giving Tree has also been established at the Tap House for those wishing to donate gift cards to the family (food, grocery & gas cards) and will be up all week. Those wishing to pre-purchase buffet tickets can do so at the Tap House Grill. 

For anyone wishing to donate who can't make the event, you can visit the Caring for Caitlin GoFundMe page.