As his children Delaney and Nate, and wife, Katie, laugh, Rick McGowan enters with a look of disbelief as he realizes a lot of people have showed up to help him out. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

Rick McGowan hugs his wife, Katie, during Saturday's GunnerFest. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

Rick McGowan watches a video with his parents, Fred and Joanne. Friends and family of Rick McGowan held a fundraiser and get-together for him Saturday at Arabian Knights Farm. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

Rick McGowan's pastor, Dean Lindsey of Community Presbyterian of Clarendon Hills, has everyone join hands as he says a prayer for Rick and his family. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

With his friend Greg Kelly of Clarendon Hills by his side, Rick McGowan looks around the room at all of the people who came to his benefit. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media