Former Naperville Mayor George Pradel battling cancer

Naperville Mayor Emeritus George Pradel will participate in the city's Memorial Day parade on Monday, despite having been diagnosed recently with cancer.

Pradel, 78, was told on May 13 that he has multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system, the bones and blood.

He started treatment Tuesday and will be getting chemotherapy twice weekly in Lisle. He also takes chemo pills daily.

Carol Pradel said her father hasn't missed a Naperville parade since he started participating with them. Prior to being elected mayor in 1995, Pradel was a police officer for 29 years in Naperville and as Officer Friendly led kids on Big Wheels through the streets of town.

His daughter said he wouldn't miss being a part of Memorial Day. “It's important for him to give back to veterans,” she said.

While the former mayor is slowing down during treatment, he is continuing with some public appearances, such as selling poppies on behalf of the VFW on Sunday.

“The whole town has been behind us, which is wonderful,” she said. “The more support, the better.”

However, the family asks that people avoid giving Pradel hugs, handshakes and kisses, because of the heightened risk of infection during treatment. And because he needs more rest, the family asks that people don't stop by the house or call to see how he is doing.

Pradel was diagnosed on Friday the 13th, but rather than worrying him it gives him hope.

Thirteen is his lucky number, his daughter said. It was his first badge number for the police department. “My dad is a fighter,” she said.

Pradel lost Pat, his wife of 55 years, to pneumonia last September as she battled bone cancer.