Bears Alumni Visit Libertyville Cancer Patients

Former Chicago Bears players Henry Melton and Rashied Davis interrupted chemotherapy schedules at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville to deliver 100 care packages to patients on Thursday. The two alumni spent time with individuals undergoing infusions, breaking up long treatment days with personal interactions and gifts.

Melton and Davis donated the bright yellow boxes on behalf of Bears Care, the charitable arm of the Chicago Bears organization. The packages came from Lemons of Love, a nonprofit that supports people navigating cancer treatment. Photos released by Advocate Health Care show the former players unloading the boxes from an SUV outside the hospital, posing with patients in their chairs, and signing autographs for fans in Bears gear.

Patients at the facility receive chemotherapy, antibiotics, blood treatments, and other therapies. Some appointments involve extended sessions that require patients to remain in treatment chairs for hours. The visit provided an unexpected pause in their routine.

Dr. Nikolaos Dallas, vice president and clinical leader for the Advocate Health Cancer National Service Line, Illinois Division, said the visit offered a break for patients and their families. “Cancer treatment can mean long days for patients and their families, so moments like this can make a meaningful difference,” Dallas told Lake and McHenry County Scanner.

Dallas added that the presence of familiar faces brought comfort to the room. “Having someone stop by simply to spend time with our patients and bring a little joy to their day is incredibly special,” he said.

Melton, a defensive tackle, was drafted by the Bears in 2009 and played through the 2013 season. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2012. Davis, a wide receiver, played six seasons with the team from 2005 to 2010, including the 2006 campaign when the Bears reached Super Bowl XLI.

Lemons of Love was founded in 2014 by Jill Swanson after her colon cancer diagnosis. A friend’s gift inspired her to fill and share care packages with others in treatment. The nonprofit operates locations in Mount Prospect and Plymouth, Wisconsin, and fills its yellow boxes with items designed to help manage short-term side effects of treatment.