Round Lake resident Sally Wagner poses in the Chicago Bears end zone during pregame introductions Thursday where she was invited as a special guest and helped unfurl the flag on the field. | Provided Photo

A Round Lake woman, who is a cancer survivor, was invited as a special guest at the Chicago Bears game Thursday and helped unfurl the giant flag during the pregame.

Sally Wagner was recognized as the Chicago Bears’ special guest during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony on Thursday.

Advocate Health Care and the Bears invited Wagner, a Round Lake resident and patient at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, to help unfurl the giant flag at Soldier Field during pregame introductions.

Wagner’s family joined her on the field before they returned to the stands to watch the game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Round Lake resident Sally Wagner helps unfurl the flag on the field during the Chicago Bears game Thursday at Soldier Field in Chicago where she was invited as a special guest. | Provided Photo

The memorable event marked the one-year anniversary of Wagner completing chemotherapy treatment — providing her an opportunity to celebrate her health with loved ones.

Wagner sought treatment for painful fibroids in the spring of 2023 and opted for a routine hysterectomy.

During the procedure, her gynecologist discovered suspicious tissue and a biopsy confirmed Wagner had non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

[Suggested Article]  Round Lake man among those arrested amid ICE immigration operation in Lake County, Chicagoland area

The diagnosis came as a shock to Wagner, especially since she had no family history of the disease.

Round Lake resident Sally Wagner poses with her family while attending the Chicago Bears game on Thursday at Soldier Field in Chicago where she was invited as a special guest and helped unfurl the flag on the field. | Provided Photo

Wagner had not experienced the typical symptoms of lymphoma, such as swollen lymph nodes, fever or night sweats, but did feel more fatigued than usual.

The aggressive lymphoma required immediate treatment. Wagner stayed at Advocate Condell for 92 hours of continuous chemotherapy every two weeks for six rounds, with additional rounds later in the year.

“I got really close to the team while I was there. From the very first night of treatment, I felt at ease. Everyone was so positive and kind, and the care was excellent,” Wagner said.

“I never looked forward to chemo, but I looked forward to seeing the team who cared for me,” she said.

Round Lake resident Sally Wagner helps unfurl the flag on the field during the Chicago Bears game Thursday at Soldier Field in Chicago where she was invited as a special guest. | Provided Photo

The doctors and nurses admired Wagner’s strength, resilience and sense of humor throughout her lengthy inpatient chemotherapy treatment, hospital officials said.

[Suggested Article]  NWS warns of freezing rain part of wintry mix possible Saturday in Chicagoland area

“I felt blessed to have met Sally and to be her nurse administering chemotherapy during her stay,” said a charge nurse in the Advocate Infusion Center.

“Sally handled her diagnosis with such grace; she remained positive and focused on healing. Sally’s fun and upbeat personality won the hearts of everyone on our unit,” the nurse said.

Wagner says she now feels great, is back to work, exercises regularly and her hair is growing back.

“I’m so grateful to celebrate this milestone at the Bears game alongside my family,” she said.