We had two wonderful stories this week of young hearts shining brightly even in bodies stricken by terrible diseases, and there was no way we could possibly lead with anything else. Please read the first two stories this week, those of Ella and Hallie. Our own hearts go out to them.

Other west-Chicago news is more unfortunate: a particularly petty crime in Geneva, young people busted with drugs, burglars and the continuing fallout from a bus crash.

Check out any or all of the following:

Elmhurst—Ella's Story: 'I'm Not Here to Save Her. I'm Here to Take Care of Her'—1 1/2-year-old Ella Casten has a rare, genetic neuromuscular disease called spinal muscular atrophy, for which there is no treatment or cure. But in the midst of this heartbreak, Ella has brought a community together.

Downers Grove—Despite Constant Pain, 6-Year-Old's Love of Life Shines Through—Hallie Munro was born with a rare genetic disorder: Many of her internal organs are not located where they're supposed to be.

Geneva—Delnor Hospital Employee Arrested for Stealing Drugs From Patient—This is one of those stories that breaks your heart, turns your stomach and scares you a bit. The "patient care technician" is accused of taking 37 Hydrocodone pills from a patient's purse.

Lisle—Naperville High School Student Charged with Dealing Heroin—Naperville police said they arrested Brittany K. Hursh, 17, after finding packets and drug paraphernalia that tested positive for heroin. Police made other heroin-related arrests earlier this week.

St. Charles—First Synthetic Marijuana Bust in St. Charles—A 19-year-old St. Charles woman has become the city’s first person cited for possessing synthetic drugs, police confirmed Friday.

Burr Ridge—Burglars Target Gym Parking Lots in Burr Ridge—Health club members aren't the only ones getting some exercise at gyms in Burr Ridge—car burglars are too. Lifetime Fitness and the Five Seasons Sports Club have experienced a string of burglaries in which cars have had windows broken.

Batavia—REPORT: Students Say IL Central Bus Driver Fell Asleep Before Crash—Two students in a Jan. 27 school bus crash in western Kane Co. say their concerns about a sleepy driver went ignored, according to media reports.

Wheaton—Shredding a Ton of Cheese for Super Bowl Sunday—Skuddlebutts Pizza and Catering of Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove ordered a ton (literally) of cheese to prepare for the football weekend.

Glen Ellyn—Glen Ellyn Village Trustees Unanimously Approve Memorial Field Lights—All six Glen Ellyn trustees voted in favor of installing lights at Glenbard West's turfed practice field, despite it being a contentious issue that some say has divided the town.

Hinsdale/Clarendon Hills—School Board to Get Community's Take on Good Friday as a Day Off—A survey will ask whether District 181 should continue to give students Good Friday off after two board members said the tradition should be reconsidered. 

Western Springs—Five Years Raffling Off Everything From Watermelons to $50 Bills—Linda Hanley, a Western Springs realtor, 37-year resident and Village expert, uses her free raffle to meet people and keep other residents informed.

La Grange/La Grange Park—Mamma Mia! Bella Bacino's Offers Pizza Making Class for Kids—All through February, Bella Bacino's in La Grange is hosting pizza-making classes for kids on Saturdays. Kids get a sharp-looking chefs hat and apron, as well as learn how to make a perfect pie.

Oak Park/River Forest—At Irving, A Schoolyard Awaits—As District 97 ponders plans for improvements, South Oak Park volunteer group kicks fundraising efforts into high gear.