Former Bears players deliver 100 care packages to cancer patients in Illinois
A visit to Advocate Condell Medical Center by two alumni provided a brief respite for individuals undergoing long infusion sessions.
By Olga Menon ·
Patients receiving chemotherapy and other infusion therapies at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois, received an unexpected break from their treatment schedules on Thursday. Former Chicago Bears players Henry Melton and Rashied Davis spent time with individuals in treatment chairs and handed out 100 care packages to families in the facility.
The two athletes represented Bears Care, the charitable branch of the NFL team. They partnered with Lemons of Love, a nonprofit organization that distributes yellow boxes containing items designed to manage short-term side effects of cancer treatment. The gifts were unloaded from the back of an SUV parked outside the hospital before the players entered the infusion area.
Dr. Nikolaos Dallas, vice president and clinical leader for the Advocate Health Cancer National Service Line, Illinois Division, stated that cancer treatment often involves long days for patients and their support systems. He noted that visits like this one can make a meaningful difference during those extended periods. "Having someone stop by simply to spend time with our patients and bring a little joy to their day is incredibly special," Dallas said.
Melton, a defensive tackle, was drafted by the Bears in 2009 and played through the 2013 season. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2012. Davis, a wide receiver, played six seasons for the team from 2005 to 2010. His tenure included the 2006 season, when the Bears reached Super Bowl XLI.
Lemons of Love was established in 2014 by founder Jill Swanson after she was diagnosed with colon cancer. A gift from a friend inspired her to create and share care packages with others in treatment. The nonprofit operates locations in Mount Prospect, Illinois, and Plymouth, Wisconsin, and delivers its boxes to various hospitals and oncology centers.
Advocate Health Care shared photos of the visit on social media, thanking the former players for brightening the day. The images show the men posing with patients in their chairs and signing autographs for fans wearing Bears gear.
Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner
