If you know Susan Zemek, you've watched her journey through cancer this past year.  She has been open and honest with us via texts, calls, and facebook updates.  You know that it isn't just cancer that she's had to fight  but many other medical issues as well.  She has been strong as she learns to lean upon the Lord in all of this.  This woman who so many have leaned on in the past has learned to lean on others for a change.  She has remained an encouragment to all of us through her fight.  A fight that continues as she faces more surgery in a few weeks.  
What you haven't heard from Susan is that, because of her health issues, she was let go from her private teaching position, and has had to resign from a number of City Boards and committees where she served.  What you haven't heard from her and Sean is that the medical bills are piling up.  What you haven't heard is "HELP". But that is just what is needed.  So we are asking each of you to do what you can to help alleviate the financial stress that has become the Zemek's reality.

When we spoke to Susan a few days ago, she said she wanted to do a fundraiser so she could DO something.  Honestly  the last thing Susan needs right now is to DO anything but to take care of herself and her family the best she can.  It reminded us of a verse from the Bible that has become a theme through all of this... "Be Still and Know that I am God"! Susan needs to be still and each of us need to seek God's guidance as to how we can help.  

We  believe that if people are made aware of a need, they will do all they can to meet that need.  If you know any of the Zemek family members, you are part of a community of people who can make a major difference for this family. 

Please join us in loving the Zemek family by helping in any way you can!
More about Susan: 
Susan loves this community and has served all of us in many ways for many years!

Susan was appointed to the Board of Mayor and Alderman in April 2013 and won the re-election in April 2015. Before her illness and treatment, she had NEVER missed a Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting during the time she was on the Board.  She had been serving on The Library Board of Directors, as Economic Development Chair, The Historic Commission, the Stormwater Committee. It breaks her heart to have to miss these meetings and to have to resign her position on multiple Boards due to her illness and treatment.
She feels she is letting her city down. 

That’s just one example of the countless ways Susan has served and loved this community.  Here are a few more:

How many of you have been involved with Kidz Klozet Consignment sale?  For 10 years Susan owned and ran the sale. Each year when the sale ended, Susan invited people who fostered children to shop for free! Then she would have an “everything is a dollar sale”.  All monies raised were donated to the Children's Home. The sale is still going on to this day and the owners still do the dollar dash and give the proceeds to the Children’s Home. Enough money has been raised to purchase new mattresses for all 32 kids- TWICE!

During the time Susan served as PTO president for Heritage Elementary, the administration raised more money than had ever been raised at the school.

Susan organized two candlelight vigils where thousands of community members were in attendance.

Susan organized a remodel of a home for a needy family and with the help of others in the community, got the work done!

Susan has organized multiple food drives and fundraisers.

She is an advocate for kids-especially those with Special needs.

Susan has coached softball for 5 years.

For someone who has not been through this, we cannot understand the effects of the medications on the body.  From nausea and joint pain, to severe exhaustion, severe weakness, emotional upheaval, etc.  This disease and treatment have stopped this “go to” girl, this “doer” in her tracks.

From Susan: “I LOVE my city, my community. For the past year, for the first time in my life, the "CANNOTS" far outweigh the "CANS."

We are firm believers that it won’t be long when Susan’s story will be filled once again with “CANS”, but until then, we are asking each of you to consider how you might lend a hand in supporting Susan and her family!