Elgin – The Illinois State Police District 2 Safety Education Unit today donated a gift basket for the Cancer Kiss My Cooley’s 4th Annual Kiss it Gala Event taking place at 6:00pm on March 7, 2015 at The Seville in Streamwood, IL.  The ISP gift basket included 2 ISP T-Shirts, a Heritage Foundation Challenge Coin and Pin, 2 iTunes Gift Cards and a Ride Along with the District Safety Education Officer focusing on Distracted Driving.

The Kiss It Gala was created in memory of a very special boy, Carter Kettner.  At age 5, he was diagnosed with an inoperable brainstem glioma.  CKMC was named after a phrase that Carter said while receiving treatment.  We called his backside his "cooley", which is Italian slang for "rear end."  He would sing "cancer kiss my cooley!" pointing to his backside. When Carter earned his angel wings, the phrase took on a new meaning.  CKMC wants to show families that they can also tell cancer to "kiss it"!  Live your lives with cancer; fight, yes - but live; make memories, and keep HOPE.

“The Illinois State Police is very proud and honored to be able to contribute to this wonderful event in memory of Carter.  Anytime we have an opportunity to pay it forward and be part of a great cause, we take great pride in fulfilling that particular organization’s requests,” said Trooper Aldo Schumann.