Burr Ridge 4th Grader Dies Of Brain Cancer: Mayor

BURR RIDGE, IL — Amar Patel liked Legos and Star Wars and was known for his sense of humor.

On March 30, Patel, a fourth-grader at Elm Elementary School, died of diffuse midline glioma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso announced at this week's Village Board meeting.

"Amar, like most 10-year-old boys, loved Legos, Star Wars and Harry Potter," Grasso said. "I am told that Amar had a great sense of humor and was a compassionate boy with unfailing positivity and bravery, even after he was diagnosed."

He said the village's sympathy goes out to Amar's parents, Nimisha and Pritesh Patel, and his younger sister, Leela Patel.

"The family is planting an apple tree at Elm School in his memory, and the school is placing red ribbons, Amar's favorite color, on trees throughout the community," the mayor said.

He said donations can also be made in Amar's memory to Lurie's Children's Hospital of Chicago for families experiencing financial hardship during a time of a child's illness.

Elm Elementary School teaches students from both Burr Ridge and Hinsdale.