Doctors believe Keeney’s Sporting Goods owner Patricia Keeney may have a type of plasma cell cancer, said Karin Jones, a close friend.

Jones met with Keeney’s oncologist and said the 62-year-old Elgin shopkeeper is being treated with chemotherapy for multiple myeloma. They also will continue to run tests.

Doctors have not yet indicated how long Keeney will be hospitalized.

Volunteers including Jones have been running Keeney’s store at 19 Douglas Ave. for several weeks during her illness and indicated they will continue to do so. The downtown shop has been in Keeney’s family since 1883 and longtime residents say it is an important piece of the city’s history. In addition to sporting goods, an array of vintage items are for sale in the basement shop, PK’s Antiques.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association also is collecting money to help Keeney with household and business expenses.  She not only runs the store herself, but also had been caring for her elderly mother.

The group plans a fundraising event in mid-December but details are not yet available.

Personal contributions may be made to the “Patricia Keeney Fund” and mailed to the DNA, 2 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120. Contributions are not tax-deductible. For more information, please contact Tonya Hudson at (847) 488-1456 or thudson@downtownelgin.com.