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Keep treatment for Hodgkin's moving by donating, walking

Two years ago, Ben Settler was just this side of a superhero — 25, strong, confident, independent. In his word, “indestructible.”

But that was before the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, before the chemotherapy and radiation that weakened his muscles as well as his drive. Before the cancer became this Superman's kryptonite.

Settler, though, was not about to have his powers stripped by the blood-borne cancer that had settled in a lymph node in his chest. Today if he were to wear an S on his chest, it would stand for “Survivor.”

With his cancer now in remission, Settler has turned his attention to fighting lymphoma in any and every form as well as leukemia, myeloma and other blood-borne cancers. He raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which supports research and offers resources for patients and their families.

The organization will celebrate Settler on Sunday, Sept. 25, as its Honored Hero at the Light the Night Walk in Community Park, 1820 Short St., Lisle.

During the evening walk, participants carry illuminated balloons. Friends and family show their support with red balloons. Some carry gold balloons to honor loved ones who've died. Those like Settler who carry white balloons are survivors, heroes in their own battles with blood cancers.

Today Ben Settler, 27, of Elmhurst shares more about his experience with Hodgkin lymphoma.

At 25 years old, I thought I was indestructible.

I worked out regularly, lead an active social life and was in a great relationship with my girlfriend, Caren.

My entire life was turned upside down in October of 2009. I went into the doctor's office thinking I had walking pneumonia, and left knowing I had a fist-sized tumor in my chest. This was far and away the worst news I've received in my entire life.

After two surgeries and a week in the hospital, I was diagnosed with stage 2B Hodgkin lymphoma. I didn't know what a lymph node was until a few weeks before, so finding out I had a lymphatic cancer was a huge shock to the system. Learning I had a six-month road of chemotherapy ahead of me was even more of a shock to me, my family and my friends.

As a formerly indestructible 25-year-old, the most difficult part of chemotherapy was the limitations and restrictions it came with. The word “can't” just didn't exist in my vocabulary until I was diagnosed. It's the little things that started to weigh on me most; having to wear a mask when entering crowded areas, being unable to eat my sushi, being tired after walking for more than 20 minutes and not having eyelashes.

Fortunately, I had the most amazing support system of family and friends. Through six months of treatment, I never attended a chemotherapy session by myself. When I was down about having to miss Halloween recovering from chemo, Caren showed up to my parents' place and dressed me as a pirate. When I was tired and exhausted from treatments, my parents took care of me in their home. My mom even did my laundry.

I'm happy to say that as of June 9, 2010, after two surgeries, six months of chemotherapy and a month of radiation, I am in complete remission and am an otherwise healthy person. Caren and I have since gotten engaged, I've started a new job working as a CPA in the Loop, and I've returned to leading an active and healthy lifestyle.

Since diagnosis, Caren and I have become increasingly involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise awareness and funds benefiting others who have received the worst news of their lives. Our team, Team Awesome, is participating in the Light the Night Walk for the second year, and LLS is recognizing me as this year's Honored Hero for the walk in Lisle.

After receiving my treatment plan, I was blown away by the progress made in treating Hodgkin's disease, with more than 90 percent of those diagnosed being cured within two years. To help ensure that every day more people like me receive a second chance on life, we ask that you consider supporting this organization in funding research and patient services by donating to our team at http://pages.lightthenight.org/il/WSuburbn11/TeamAwesome.

Every donation counts as we continue to find a cure and improve overall patient quality of life.

The Light the Night Walk, a 2-mile walk around Lisle Community Park, supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Survivors carry glowing white balloons while supporters walk with red ones. Daily Herald File Photo

If you go

If you go

What: Light the Night Walk

Why: Proceeds support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25

Where: Community Park, 1820 Short St., Lisle

Cost: Donations encouraged

Register: (312) 651-7354 or www.lightthenight.org/register

Info: www.lightthenight.org/il/