Clarendon Hills Candy Firm Owner Suffers From Cancer

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – The co-owner of a Clarendon Hills candy business is suffering from cancer.

Kris Rentschler's supporters have set up a GoFundMe page for her.

After a recent surgery, the pathology came back that Rentschler, who co-owns I Want Candy!, had cancer, according to the page.

She needs a second surgery and radioactive iodine therapy, the page said.

"We all know that medical bills can often pile up quickly, not to mention the time off work she will need and travel expenses," the GoFundMe page said. "Being a local small business owner, her business and livelihood depend on her ability to work."

The money is designated to help Rentschler with her medical bills, time off from work and other expenses.

As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe campaign had raised $7,820 toward its $20,000 goal. It was set up less than two weeks ago.

Last February, I Want Candy! closed at 27 S. Prospect Ave. because of a dramatic rent increase, Rentschler's supporters say. The business remains in operation, with mostly online orders.

"I know she has built a lot of relationships with shop owners in the downtown area and people in the community," Amanda Jepsen, Rentschler's friend and the GoFundMe page organizer, said in an email to Patch. "When I would visit the shop, many community members were on a first-name basis with Kris and came to shop in the store often."