Vernon Hills survivor raises breast cancer awareness at Bulls game

Posted October 25, 2015 11:00 pm

Advocate Condell Medical Center submission

Vernon Hills resident Julie Donofrio, right, with her sister Jennifer Hensley during a pregame photo opportunity on the court at the United Center. courtesy of Advocate Condell

On Oct. 12 Vernon Hills resident Julie Donofrio and two other Advocate Health Care breast cancer survivors were honorary co-captains at the Chicago Bulls' Pink Out Game. For this preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Chicago Bulls and Advocate Health Care teamed up to highlight breast cancer awareness and to honor those who have conquered challenging medical circumstances.

Donofrio, 47, and her four sisters and mother are vigilant about breast cancer screening. Like clockwork, they get mammograms each October as the nation marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Through the yearly mammograms, Donofrio's mother learned she had Stage 1 breast cancer five years ago, and her sister Jennifer Hensley received a diagnosis of Stage 0 breast cancer three years ago.

Donofrio's October 2013 mammogram showed no signs of cancer, but in February 2014 she discovered a lump in her breast. Thinking it was a cyst, she waited until October to have another mammogram. Comprehensive testing in December revealed Stage 3 breast cancer, and she underwent a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

In September 2015 a tumor was discovered on one of her ovaries, and she underwent a hysterectomy. She received chemotherapy, radiation and subsequent care from Dr. Dean Conterato, radiation oncologist, and Dr. Dean Tsarwhas, oncologist, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

Despite her medical challenges, this Vernon Hills resident has remained remarkably upbeat. She aims to spread the word about breast health and early detection. "If you feel something, don't think, 'Oh, it's nothing.' Get it checked out," she said. "It's so very important."

Donofrio attended the event with her husband, Jim Donofrio, and her sister Jennifer Hensley.

For this preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Chicago Bulls and Advocate Health Care teamed up to highlight breast cancer awareness and to honor those who have conquered challenging medical circumstances.

Honorary co-captains, from left, Dr. Gaile Sabaliauskas, Julie Donofrio and Lauren Wakefield, received autographs on limited edition pink basketballs. All three are breast cancer survivors. courtesy of Advocate Condell

Julie Donofrio with her husband, Jim Donofrio, during a pregame photo opportunity on the court at the United Center. courtesy of Advocate Condell

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