By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff
For several weeks in July, the city of Park Ridge was awash with purple.
When 7-year-old Kate Babich died suddenly June 27 while attending Maine South High School’s cheerleading summer camp, the entire city sprang into action. As a tribute to her passing, the city tied purple ribbons around government buildings, the Park Ridge Public Library, and seemingly every pole and tree trunk throughout Park Ridge.
Purple was Babich’s favorite color. While the ribbons were originally supposed to come down by July 15, before the Taste of Park Ridge started, most of them stayed up a few days longer. The Babich family lives in the city’s First Ward.
During the Aug. 15 meeting, Ald. John Moran read a statement the family addressed to the entire city. In their statement, Kate’s parents and her brother, Alex, thanked everyone who offered their support.
“To the Park Ridge community and anyone who’s given their love and support since the loss of our precious angel, Katherine Page,” the statement said. “Words cannot express our gratitude for prayers, cards, meals, goodwill and generosity we have received and continue to receive. We were so very fortunate to get to spend those seven short years with Kate, but she touched many more people than just us. Her friends, teachers, coaches and so many others will miss her.”
They also appreciated the community response.
“The ribbons and the purple around town are an expression of that, and it has been incredible. The way this has brought everyone together showed the impression Kate made on so many people, and it lifts and comforts us greatly as we try to adjust. I guess she really was too good to be true. Our hearts will never fully heal and we will work to be sure that the amazing spirit of our little girl lives on. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Moran also mentioned that the family told him they appreciated everything the first responders did for them.
“A lot of our discussion revolved around police and fire and everything they did that day to give her a chance,” he said. “And, they were very grateful for the city services they received after the fact.”