In Aurora, Illinois, the spirit of community shines brightly as locals come together to support a beloved restaurant owner facing a daunting battle with cancer.

Lisa Bowling’s journey took an unexpected turn just a week after she achieved her lifelong dream of opening The Soul Spot, a soul food restaurant nestled in Fox Valley Mall. Diagnosed with stage four cancer, Bowling now finds herself at the heart of a community-driven effort to keep her dream alive while she focuses on her health.

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“It’s been like a dream come true,” Bowling expressed, reflecting on her endeavor to bring soul food to Aurora. Her dedication poured into every corner of the restaurant, making its opening a heartfelt milestone.

Tragically, Bowling’s triumphant moment was overshadowed by a severe health crisis. Following open heart surgery, she required the aid of an ECMO machine to breathe, and now she prepares to undergo chemotherapy.

In response to Bowling’s plight, a wave of goodwill has swept through the community. Volunteers are stepping up to ensure The Soul Spot remains a vibrant part of Aurora, embodying resilience and hope during this challenging time.

“I had to have open heart surgery and then put on the ECMO machine to breathe for me, and all of that stuff. So now, I’m getting ready to do chemo,” Bowling said.

“Any day above ground is a good day,” family friend Vera Giles-Norris said.

Her illness has kept her away from the restaurant for nearly two months, as the community steps in to keep her dream alive.

Whether it’s volunteering to play music, or clean tables, they’re there.

“We see one of our soldiers fall, to do what we can do to help pick them up. And that’s what I’m seeing play out. Business has not stopped since day one,” Giles-Norris said.

Even the restaurant’s one and only chef, Katrina Reed, has been working morning to night every day of the week.

“We bring the soul food; we bring the soul food. We bring the greens, the yams, the macaroni,” Reed said.

The flavor comes from Bowling’s heart.

“When she was able to give back, she did so much sowing. And so, now in her time of need, it’s her time to reap,” Giles-Norris said.

Bowling said she is out of the hospital, at home.

Her friends and family are hoping to raise close to $50,000 to help pay for her medical expenses, but also keep her business afloat while she recovers.

Visit www.thesoulspots.com for more information.