McHenry native enjoys special pregame experience at Bulls game
Advocate Health Care patient and McHenry native Michele Vanderveer and her family joined the Chicago Bulls at the United Center Friday night as they took on the Toronto Raptors for a special pregame experience.
Vandeveer, a breast cancer survivor, participated in the "Fan Tunnel" experience where she and her guests high fived the players on their way out to the court. They also received tickets to the game and took photos on the court prior to tipoff.
A patient at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Vandeveer recently had her last infusion on Oct. 17 and is now cancer free.
At the age of 47 and without a family history of cancer, Vandeveer didn't expect anything to come from her mammogram last August. She had skipped her screening in 2021, but knew she should catch up.
Last October, after multiple tests, Vandeveer was diagnosed with a fast-growing form of breast cancer. And the early detection likely saved her life.
"If I had waited another year, it would have been much worse," Vandeveer said.
Vandeveer started her fight with an appointment to discuss breast surgery the very next day. Through six rounds of chemotherapy, two surgeries, 20 rounds of radiation and immunotherapy infusions, her village of Johnsburg, Illinois rallied around her and Vandeveer never lost her positive attitude.
On her very last day of chemotherapy, family and friend surprised her with signs and a parade to celebrate. Her husband was with her through it all, every chemotherapy treatment, surgery and appointment. The two even spent their 21st wedding anniversary in the hospital because it was the day of her surgery - which was a success!
Unable to get her usual pedicures, Vandeveer's nail team gifted her with all the supplies she'd need to treat herself to one at home. The McDonald's she visited twice a day as a regular, surprised her with gift cards, pins and bracelets to encourage her through treatment. A local BBQ joint even donated 10 percent of their sales for a week to help with expenses. Many more family and friends helped prepare meals, offered rides and supported her through her treatments.
Despite using the cooling cap, Vandeveer ended up losing about 50 percent of her hair. True to her positive nature, she's embracing her natural curls and has turned her new shorter cut into a reason to experiment with color - dying her hair blue, purple, and pink for October, of course. She has become a mammogram advocate, encouraging the women in her life to get their regular screenings. And while battling cancer, Vandeveer also became a full-time caregiver for her uncle, who is an armed forces veteran.
"When it's time to go (get tested), go," she said. "It might be uncomfortable, but what you're saving yourself from is immense."
If you are in need of a checkup, please consult your doctor or go to AdvocateHealth.com to schedule a screening test today.