AURORA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- An Aurora man received a cavalcade of thanks for years of bringing comfort to others in times of grief.
On Friday afternoon, a caravan of cars full of Greg Zanis' supporters drove by his house, displaying signs and shouting praise to the man some people know as "Cross Man."
For nearly 25 years, Zanis has crossed the country to honor the victims of violent crimes. Now, the community came together to honor him in return as he battles terminal cancer.
Social distancing guidelines meant the visitation had to be done via a drive-by parade, but that did not stop the cheer and excitement that flooded from Zanis' friends, neighbors and fans.
Signs were placed in his front lawn that read, "A hero lives here," and "Hero = Greg Z." His family also created a box for cards and donations from the community.
John Jaros, executive director of the Aurora Historical Society, called Zanis part of revered history and a local treasure that spread influence far beyond Illinois.
The retired carpenter founded the charity Crosses for Losses in 1996 and has since created over 20,000 white wooden crosses and other memorials for the public and the families of crime victims all around the country.