A Gurnee woman and a Barrington woman, who are both breast cancer survivors, were recently honored during an “unforgettable” day with the Chicago Bulls at United Center.
Nine Advocate Health Care cancer patients and survivors were invited for an unforgettable day with the Chicago Bulls through an exclusive “Court of Dreams” experience at the United Center on December 17, the hospital system said.
The patients and survivors were guests of Bulls guard Tre Jones, whose mother, Debbie, is a breast cancer survivor.
Jones has used his platform to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer and was recently recognized as the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for his efforts off the court.
The Advocate Health Care Patients took to the court by putting their basketball and teamwork skills to the test during the event.
They participated in a scrimmage led by Bulls radio play-by-play announcer Chuck Swirsky and Bulls legend Bill Wennington.
Jones shared a message and provided them with wellness gifts and words of encouragement.
Participants and their guests attended a private banquet dinner after shooting hoops at the United Center in their Bulls practice jerseys, hospital officials said.
Court of Dreams attendees later watched the Bulls take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The annual event was made possible through Advocate Health Care’s partnership with the Chicago Bulls.
Breast cancer survivors Christine Simons, of Barrington, and Leny Chacko, of Gurnee, were among those honored.
Simons discovered a lump in her breast at 38 while breastfeeding her daughter.
She initially dismissed it as a clogged duct but later sought care when the lump persisted.
Diagnostic tests led to a biopsy and a confirmed diagnosis of Stage 2 breast cancer.
Simons began chemotherapy at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington under the care of Dr. Sandeep Chunduri and completed 16 rounds.
She later opted for a double mastectomy performed by Dr. Barry Rosen and underwent five weeks of radiation as a precaution.
She continues preventive therapy with hormone blockers and oral medication to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Simons continued working throughout treatment and leaned on a strong support system of family, friends and colleagues.
She credits her care team for making her feel valued. “I really felt like a person, not just a patient.”
Simons, who is now cancer-free, advocates for early detection and self-exams as she shares her story to inspire others.
“Feel something, say something,” she said. “You won’t know what feels wrong if you don’t know what feels right.”
Simons participates in breast cancer awareness walks, panels and fundraising efforts to pay it forward.
Chacko discovered her breast cancer during a routine mammogram in December 2024, which was a screening she never skipped because of her family history.
Follow-up imaging and a biopsy confirmed Stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer. Her care team at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville developed a treatment plan before the holidays.
“If I hadn’t gone for that mammogram, it could have cost me my life,” Chacko said, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Chacko began chemotherapy in January 2025 under the care of Dr. Amber Seba, underwent a lumpectomy in May performed by Dr. Helene Sterbling and completed 20 radiation treatments in July.
Chacko continues oral chemotherapy until February and credits her medical team, family and faith community for helping her through the journey.
Chacko, who is a nurse practitioner at the VA hospital in North Chicago, admits that she had plenty of questions.
“I probably asked more questions than the average patient,” she said. “But my team answered every concern and made sure I felt supported.”
She said she encourages others facing a diagnosis to stay hopeful. “Do not be afraid. There are treatment options, and you’re going to get through this.”