Dupage Policy Journal

For three years, the 47th Street bridge over I-294 has been decorated with blue and yellow cups reading "Brooks Strong." That bridge has long been informally dedicated to Brooks Edwin Tonn, a 10-year-old Hinsdale boy who lost his battle with a rare form of cancer in 2017.

The House recently passed a resolution to make that dedication official.

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Hinsdale) introduced the resolution. "He fought a courageous battle, something that no 10-year-old, no child should ever have to go through," Durkin said on the House floor on May 12. "He lost that battle, and our community suffered because of that."

Tonn died on Dec. 1 of 2017 of rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that attacks muscle tissue in children and adolescents. 

"In his 10 short years of life, Brooks’ contribution to his community was profound and meaningful," Durkin said. "Brooks was always upbeat and positive about life, even during the most painful and difficult times during his cancer treatment."

According to Durkin, Tonn lived by the motto "have courage and be kind," a mantra that the representative said the House could stand to live by as well. 

"We could use a lot of that in this chamber. Think of that 10-year-old, living his life and preaching that way of life," Durkin continued. "He was a special and remarkable young man. I attended his wake and there were thousands of people who attended both that and the funeral. That was a reflection of his life and also of his spirit."

With Tonn now in the hands of God, Durkin said the memorial bridge is a way to celebrate the boy's life here earthside. 

"So today, through this resolution, the town, family, Rep. Mazzochi, Rep. Moylan, and I wish to name this bridge after Brooks, the Brooks Edwin Tonn Memorial Bridge," Durkin said.