Palatine Girl Battling Brain Cancer Hosting Event For Hospital

Six-year-old Palatine resident Rosie Colucci will host a toy drive and bake sale for Children's Memorial Hospital Saturday, July 9 at Photo's Hot Dogs.

has been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow in the nervous system. Despite her illness Colucci has kept a positive attitude, earning the nickname "Rosie the Rockstar" from nurses at Children's Memorial.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Colucci will collect new and unused toys at , 301 N. Northwest Highway, for hospitalized kids at Children's Memorial Hospital.

"Rosie has a big heart and she feels for the kids who have to spend time at 'her hospital,' " state Rosie's mother, JoAnne Colucci in a press release. "She knows all too well what it's like to be stuck in the hospital."

Rosie Colucci has battled brain cancer for almost four years. The neurofibromatosis has also caused numerous other medical conditions Colucci has had to grapple with.

For example, at one point a tumor caused her to be nearly blind in one eye.

"Currently, her tumor is stable and has been [for] the last 17 weeks," the press release states. "Rosie has had 142 doses of chemotherapy, after three different protocols."

Rosie's older sister, Bella, will be running a Bake Sale and Lemonade Stand, with help from classmates, while Rosie collects toys. All proceeds from the event benefit Children's Memorial Hospital. Details can be found at www.research4rosie.com under "Rosie's Toy Box."

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