Reprinted from the Pioneer Press Newspaper

April 1, 1999

"Soar" shoots for stars

Photo Caption: (From left) Robin Baba, Mindy Deutsch and Beth Conen, all of Highland Park, visit the Adler Planetarium in anticipation of the "Soar to the Stars for Rory!" benefit for the Rory David Deutsch Foundation.

Rory David Deutsch of Highland Park died last summer at the age of seven of a brain stem tumor. The bright little lad had been ill for only five months. Neither radiation or chemotherapy could halt the aggressive onslaught of his illness, but during his last days, his mother and father vowed that some good should come from this tragedy.

"We never gave up hope," said Ross Deutsch. "But we knew the odds and we began to think about establishing a foundation that would raise money for research on pediatric brain tumors."

With the help of an attorney friend, The Rory David Deutsch Foundation was established as a public charity. To date, friends and acquaintances have donated close to $650,000.

Now the foundation is holding its first fund-raiser "Soar to the Stars for Rory," from 6 to 9 p.m. April 25 at the Adler Planetarium.

"Rory was so interested in the solar system," said Deutsch about his son. "He yearned for knowledge and taught himself to read at age five. I took him into a book store and when I told him he could choose a book, he picked out a thesaurus. Then he sat on the couch at home and read me synonyms!"

The child had a big heart as well. "At such an early age, when it couldn't be taught or learned he'd give up something he was playing with if another child wanted it," Deutsch continued. "That's how he was."

Sandy Baker, Rory's first grade teacher at Indian Trail School in Highland Park remembered his enthusiasm for school and for learning.

"He was always willing to help others and share," she recalled.

President Clinton is the honorary chair of the benefit. "We met him in May at a fund-raiser for Carol Moseley Braun," Deutsch said. "He spoke to us and when he met Rory, he gave him a great big hug. Then he talked to him for a least five full minutes. He was very warm."

After Rory's death Mindy and Ross Deutsch met the president again. "He spoke so sincerely to us and said that he was sure Rory had a bigger impact on him than he had had on Rory. He said Rory had reminded him about precious life was."

Pictures of Rory with President Clinton are included on the invitation.

Tickets to "Soar" are $50 for adults and $25 for children. Through outer space is vast, space in the Planetarium is limited, so reservations are required. For information, call (888) 919-RORY (7679).