Minooka resident Leslie Quinn said she believes “there’s no words to describe” the community’s outpouring of support shown following the death of her daughter, Paige, in an Oct. 7 accident in Troy Township.
“Where do I begin?” she asked.
Leslie shared those sentiments during a community benefit arranged in memory of Paige, held Oct. 26 at River Hawk Brewing in Channahon.
At the event, the Quinn/Ewert family was joined by dozens of friends, family, community members, representatives from the Pink Heels of Joliet Chapter and emergency room staff from AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center.
“Everything everyone’s done is appreciated,” Leslie said.
Paige’s father, Matt Ewert, shared that sentiment, saying the community’s support has been incredible.
“It makes us want to give back more to the community,” he said.
Paige’s parents shared their favorite memories of their daughter, saying they enjoyed their time spent together cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks, sitting on the front porch talking and drinking coffee, and watching scary movies.
Ewert said that being with family meant a lot to Paige.
“She has a niece that was her favorite,” Leslie said.
Ewert agreed, saying that Paige had a nickname for her niece.
“Monkey—that’s what she called her,” he said.
Rhonda Salani and Samantha Rufo, emergency room nurses for AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center, were among those at the benefit. The two treated Paige the day of the crash.
“The whole reason we came was for the family,” Salani said.
“We came here to support them,” added Rufo. “We want to give them our best wishes. We think about them. It’s a tragic time for them.”
New Lenox resident Kevin Hylaszek said the loss hits close to home. He’s been close with Paige’s father since age 5.
“For this to happen to this man is unfair,” Hylaszek said. “He’s never been a selfish person. Leslie is a blessing.”
Hylaszek said Paige’s parents are part of what makes the community a welcoming place to live.
An online petition in support of installation of a traffic control light at the intersection of County Line Road and U.S. Route 52, where the crash occurred, has collected more than 25,000 signatures.
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