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Community Corner

Naperville Comes out to Support Stech Family

Mike-A-Palooza was the name given to the fundraiser at the VFW hall Saturday night. The event was organized to help pay housing costs for Mike Stech, who is suffering from a rare disorder.

You have heard it said, “Your life can change in an instant.”

That is certainly true for the Stech family. Teri and Mike Stech had everything anyone could hope for -- a nice home in , a beautiful daughter and two successful careers. But one day in 2003, Mike suffered what the family thought was a stroke and he and his loved ones were never the same.

Mike, a former Lisle police officer, suffers from a mitochondrial disorder that is so rare there is no official name and no cure. Mitochondria are described as “cellular power plants” because they generate most of the body’s cellular energy, Teri explained. Mike’s mitochondria are dysfunctional and when they stop working, stroke-like episodes occur.

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“Each of these episodes has caused damage to Mike’s brain leaving him impaired to the point where he is unable to care for himself,” Teri said. “In May 2008 I had to make the hardest decision in my life. I had to move Mike out of our home and into a long-term care facility. Mike has been in a number of facilities but his current home at Arden Courts has been the best for his care.”

The cost of keeping Mike in the home is around $70,000 a year and the family is quickly running out of funds. Due to this financial burden, the Stech’s family and friends stepped forth to help organize a fundraiser. 

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“We have been thinking about doing something like this for awhile,” said Renee Picha of Woodridge, one of Mike’s sisters. “The bills have really been piling up so we knew it was only a matter of time before we had to step in and help out. Everyone in the family came forward and helped.”

Mike-A-Palooza was held Feb. 5 at the post in Naperville. Hundreds of friends, family and acquaintances paid $25 each, bidding on numerous auction items and offering their comfort. All the funds will be used to pay for Mike’s housing.

“Mike and Teri used to live in our neighborhood,” said Rick Kasbee of Naperville.  “Mike used to do a lot of favors for me and now I need to help him out. That’s what neighbors do.”

Many of the people in attendance were neighbors or former neighbors of the couple. They said they were there to offer their support and to be available in any way they could help.

Pat and Larry Pezen drove from Mount Prospect, but said they were happy to be there to support Teri, Mike and Jessica.

“They are family and they are in need, so we are here for them,” Pat said.  “Teri is so very sweet and kind and she is getting through this with the love and support of all her family and friends.”

Everyone in attendance had wonderful things to say about this family. Teri was no exception. She talked about her husband with love and admiration.

“Mike has been the best husband a girl could ever ask for,” she said. “He was the man of my dreams. His sense of humor is what caught my attention at first. His laughter, love for life, compassion, thoughtfulness and dedication is what won my heart in the end. Mike taught me so much about life and how to live it to the fullest.”

Despite the numerous hardships she and her daughter have endured, Teri remains optimistic.

“While Mike is here with us physically, he’s not capable of making any decision for himself or for our family. This is not the life I would have chosen for myself but it is the one that I was handed and I do the best I can to raise a daughter on my own, work full-time and take care of a husband who is ill.”

Anyone wishing to help ease the Stech family’s financial burden can send a check to: Mike Stech, 533 Seville Ave., Naperville 60565.

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