A Crystal Lake woman, who was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks after her wedding but has since beaten cancer, was honored as a special guest and helped unfurl the flag at the Chicago Bears game Saturday.
Crystal Lake resident Kendall Albright, who is an Advocate Health Care patient, was honored as the Chicago Bears’ special guest during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony on Saturday.
Albright helped unfurl the giant flag at Soldier Field during pregame introductions for the Bears’ matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Her husband joined her on the field for the ceremony before they returned to the stands to watch the game.
Albright’s breast cancer journey began in July 2024, just two weeks after her wedding, when she discovered a lump while showering, hospital officials said.
A mammogram and subsequent biopsy revealed stage III triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form with no genetic link.
The diagnosis came as a shock to the 30-year-old. “I thought age was on my side,” she said.
Albright came to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington on the recommendation of a friend.
Her treatment began in November 2024 with 16 rounds of chemotherapy under the care of Dr. Sandeep Chunduri, a hematologist and oncologist with Advocate Health Care.
Albright underwent a double mastectomy in May, which was performed by Dr. Barry Rosen, a breast surgeon.
She had radiation treatment over the summer and is currently undergoing immunotherapy, which she will complete this coming January.
Albright will be closely monitored for the next three years, which is the timeframe when recurrence risk is highest.
She continued working as a project coordinator, taking time off only for surgery and infusion days, during her treatment.
Albright and her husband had to make difficult decisions early in the treatment, including freezing embryos before starting chemotherapy.
“Instead of planning a honeymoon, we were having tough conversations and planning for a future we never expected,” she said. “Our first year of marriage wasn’t what we imagined, but it brought us closer than ever. We learned what truly matters in life.”
She credits her husband’s unwavering support and the Advocate Health Care team for guiding her through.
“Anytime I had a concern, Dr. Chunduri and Dr. Rosen were on top of it, helping resolve symptoms or easing fears. I always felt like I was their priority,” Albright said.
Chunduri said Albright’s outcome is a testament to the power of early, aggressive treatment and her own resilience.
“Kendall faced an aggressive cancer, but her treatment response was exactly as we’d hoped,” Chunduri said. “Her positive attitude, support from her husband and confidence in her care team were important factors to her success.”
“If you’ve just been diagnosed, know that every emotion you feel is valid,” Albright said a year after her journey began, as she is now cancer-free. “Take it one day at a time—the only way forward is through.”