TINLEY PARK, IL — A Tinley Park restaurant will donate a portion of its sales to a local mother of three who recently lost her battle with terminal cancer, leaving three daughters behind.
Gatto’s Italian Restaurant and Bar has announced that it will donate 20 percent of its sales on Wednesday to assist the family of Tinley Park resident Elizabeth Curtner, who died at the age of 34 on Oct. 19 after being diagnosed with terminal stage 4 small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in June.
When she was diagnosed with the rare form of aggressive cancer, Elizabeth was told she had no more than a year to live. Despite beginning treatment, Elizabeth’s cancer continued to spread until she passed away last month, leaving behind her daughters who are 6, 4, and 7 months of age.
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“Bethy was so positive during the most painful days of her life and cared about one thing, everyone else – the girls’ future was her number one priority,” Curtner’s sister, Robin told Patch on Monday.
“I feel like a piece of me was taken away but honestly this community and the amount of love and support from everyone has been a blessing and something my family and myself will never forget…and always be grateful for.”
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Since her sister’s diagnosis, Robin Curtner has worked with several area businesses to try to raise money for a fund that Elizabeth set up herself to provide money for her daughters. Those who are unable to attend Wednesday’s local fundraiser in Tinley Park can donate to the fund by clicking here.
The Tinley Park Gatto’s location is found at 8005 W. 183rd Street and is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Robin Curtner, who has characterized her sister as a “beautiful mama” to her three girls told Patch that it has been truly amazing to see local businesses like Gatto’s rally behind her family to assist the three girls who now face a future without their mom.
“I’ve never felt a loss like this in my life,” Robin told Patch on Monday. “My family is grieving and beyond broken, but with the support of the community, these incredible business owners, friends, and family we don’t feel alone.”
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