A Volo woman, who is a breast cancer survivor, and her family got to meet Chicago Bears players and received a signed jersey during a VIP experience at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.
Advocate Health Care said it partnered with the Chicago Bears to host the special event at Halas Hall on Friday to celebrate breast cancer survivor Amy Cash, who is a Volo resident.
Cash was joined by her family when she received a VIP experience at the Bears’ training facility in recognition of her breast cancer journey.
Cash and her loved ones watched the team practice for Sunday’s game from the sidelines.
Quarterback Caleb Williams presented Cash with a practice jersey featuring a pink Advocate Health Care patch in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month after the practice session.
Cash, in return, gave Williams a customized jean jacket adorned with patches. She has a matching one of her own.
Cash’s journey began unexpectedly during a routine gynecological visit in June 2024 when her doctor discovered a lump and recommended a mammogram.
Cash was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and referred to Dr. Barry Rosen, a breast surgeon at Advocate Health Care.
She says that his encouragement helped her stay optimistic. “This is treatable. You’re not going anywhere. We’re going to beat this,” Rosen told her.
Cash initially planned to undergo a double lumpectomy but a follow-up biopsy revealed precancerous cells.
She opted for a double mastectomy and oophorectomy to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Cash completed her treatment plan with 25 rounds of radiation on her left breast. She has since undergone four revision surgeries to address asymmetry.
“I gave myself permission to be sad, but I didn’t stay there. I got up and fought, because this is beatable, and I wasn’t going to let it define me,” she said.
Cash says she encourages others facing a similar journey to take it one day at a time, allow space for emotion and stay focused on recovery.
Her 16-year-old son, Jackson, inspired her to face each day with determination.
“My son is the one person that made me smile daily even if I was sad or struggling,” Cash said. “He made me want to get up and fight this awful disease to show that you never give up and you are stronger than you think.”
Cash said she also credits her care team at Advocate Condell Medical Center for guiding her through each step of her journey, especially hematologist and oncologist Dr. Amber Seba.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month recognition will continue at Sunday’s “Real Bears Fans Wear Pink” game at Soldier Field.
The campaign, which is in its 18th year, honors and celebrates breast cancer fighters and survivors while raising awareness about the importance of regular screenings.