It's been a tough but rewarding year for Geneva Alderman Ralph Dantino, who has been battling a rare appendix cancer as well as the mounting medical bills that go with his treatment.

Dantino announced this week he is determined to continue his battle against cancer and his service as representative of Geneva's 5th Ward.

Dantino said in a quick e-mail on Dec. 5 that he would seek re-election. He intends to file his nominating petition on Dec. 17.

He told the Kane County Chronicle that he is feeling good and that he's running again because "I enjoy doing it."

In addition to his role as alderman, Dantino is a former School Board member, Dancing With the Geneva Stars contestant and perennial community volunteer. He is known on the council for his brief but inciteful questions and for being a fiscal conservative on most voting matters.

On June 3, the community held a "Rally for Ralph" to raise funds to help with steep, ongoing medical bills.