A Waukegan woman, who is a cancer survivor, was recognized as a special guest at the Chicago Bears game earlier this week where she unfurled the giant flag at Soldier Field during pre-game.
Candice Porter was recognized as the Chicago Bears’ special guest during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony on Monday.
Advocate and the Bears invited Porter, a Waukegan resident and patient at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, to help unfurl the giant flag at Soldier Field during pre-game introductions for the Bears’ home opener.
Porter’s daughter, Jayla, joined her on the field for the ceremony before they returned to the stands to watch the Bears face the Minnesota Vikings.
Porter’s journey with breast cancer began in February 2024 when she noticed a lump in her breast and sought medical attention, hospital officials said.
The diagnosis came as a surprise since she did not have an immediate family history of breast cancer.
Porter saw Dr. Amber Seba, a hematologist and oncologist at Advocate Health Care, who confirmed she had Stage III triple-negative breast cancer and started her on an aggressive chemotherapy regimen.
“Candice approached her treatment with incredible strength and positivity,” Seba said.
“She was diagnosed at age 39, which is younger than the recommended age for routine breast cancer screening. Her story highlights how important it is for young women to notice changes in their breasts and seek medical care without delay,” Seba said.
Porter was declared cancer-free after completing 24 weeks of chemotherapy.
Her treatment continued with surgery to remove lymph nodes, which is a precautionary step to lower the risk of recurrence.
She later underwent 20 radiation treatments to complete her care plan.
Hospital officials said Porter remained focused and resilient throughout her treatment.
She continued working full-time as a manager and stayed actively involved in her 14-year-old daughter’s life, cheering her on at basketball games and maintaining a sense of normalcy at home.
Porter now undergoes follow-up tests every three to six months and says she is regaining her strength while embracing life with renewed energy.
“The doctors and nurses at Advocate Condell Medical Center were so patient and responsive, they answered all of my questions,” Porter said. “It was the best service I could’ve had and the right people for my situation.”
Porter said she hopes her story inspires others to listen to their bodies, seek medical attention when something feels off and stay positive throughout the journey.
“Don’t give up — your mindset is everything,” she said. “If you stop fighting, you stop moving forward. Never stop fighting.”