Two Lake County residents to be honored for their fight against brain cancer
Two Lake County residents fighting brain cancer will be presented with Courage Awards Sunday, May 17, during Voices Against Brain Cancer's third annual "Join the Voices! Chicago Run/Walk" at Diversey Harbor in Lincoln Park.
Madelynn McInerny, 16, from Libertyville and Robert Lindell, 37, of Lake Bluff will be among seven people honored at the charitable event that will feature a 5K run, 3K scenic walk, family activities and live entertainment.
Funds raised during the run/walk will go toward the advancement of brain cancer research, and all donations will be earmarked for the Chicago area and the state of Illinois.
Voices Against Brain Cancer is a national nonprofit organization committed to finding a cure for brain cancer and brain tumors. It hosts run/walks across the nation in hopes to support the brain cancer community, create greater national awareness, and ultimately find a cure.
During the Chicago event, the foundation will honor many local patients, caregivers, doctors and health care providers for their roles in the fight against this disease.
McInerny was a seventh-grader in 2014 when she diagnosed with a brain tumor the day before Thanksgiving. After suffering from headaches and being diagnosed with chronic migraines, she went to a specialist, who noticed she had lost her upper left peripheral vision. The tumor was eventually discovered in an MRI.
The day after Thanksgiving, Madelynn had surgery, and a week later doctors informed her she was diagnosed with brain cancer.
She began receiving proton radiation therapy New Year's Eve. For the next two months, she had radiation at 6 a.m. five days a week, then would head straight to school to avoid missing class time.
After finishing her radiation in February, her most recent MRI noted she might be cancer free, but there are a few spots where there might be a tumor.
Lindell, who grew up in Buffalo Grove and graduated from Stevenson High School in 1996, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had surgery just before his first wedding anniversary in June, 2006. The surgery went well and he continued with treatment during the next six years.
In December, 2012, he learned the tumor had returned and a second surgery was needed in January 2013. In March, he learned the tumor had returned and a third surgery was needed April 9.
Lindell said his wife and young children have been a positive driving force and ultimate strength that keeps him going.
"No matter what kind of day I have, I can count on my smiling kids ready to tackle me with hugs and kisses as soon as I walk in the door. And my wife that is always there to support me with whatever I need," he said. "My trials and tribulations with my multiple brain tumors, surgeries, and treatments have been very up and down, but I ultimately feel like one of the luckiest people in the world."
Lindell said the disease has shaped and formed his life and it has provided him with some real perspective and an appreciation for everything life has to offer.
"I have found the best medicine for me is making people smile or laugh everyday," he said.
Participants of "Join the Voices! Chicago Run/Walk" are encouraged to raise funds for Voices Against Brain Cancer. To make a donation, volunteer or participate in the upcoming run/walk, visit www.jointhevoiceschicago.org. Check-in and registration begins at 8 a.m., with start times beginning at 9 a.m.