LEMONT - Brian Sladek has been battling cancer for more than half his life, but the Lemont community is by his side, providing meals and encouragement and hosting events to help him through.

Originally diagnosed in 1999, Sladek is battling his fourth bout of cancer and hasn’t been able to leave the hospital since April. As a result, the Lemont hosted a blood drive in honor of Sladek, collecting blood for those in need and monetary donations for Sladek’s family.

Through Hope & Friendship’s CaringBridge program, Sladek has been able to share his story and has connected with Terri-O’Neill-Borders, who organized the blood drive.

She said Sladek’s mother-in-law requested a blood drive be held because of the multiple blood transfusions Sladek has undergone, allowing her to see firsthand the need for donations.

O’Neill-Borders has been in contact with the Sladek family for roughly four and a half years, and she said it is Sladek’s drive and his family’s love that inspire her most. With two five-year-old children, Sladek fights to be present in their lives, O’Neill-Borders said.

“Between his mom [Karen Sladek] and his wife [Kate Sladek], Brian is never alone in the hospital and that’s just beautiful,” O’Neill-Borders said. “I mean, these are two young people doing a fantastic job raising their kids. You would never know their kids were going through something like this. And his mom is just the strongest woman in the world. I’m really inspired by her strength.”

Community members have stepped up to help in a plethora of ways, according to O’Neill-Borders who said people often want to help but don’t know how. She said this is where she comes in, serving as a conduit between the community and those in need.

Brian’s mother said the community’s support is overwhelming and reminds her the family is not alone in this long battle. She said her family will never forget the love they have received during this difficult time.

“The Lemont community is amazing,” Karen said. “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the community from food deliveries, gifts for the twins, donations and fundraising to special cards sent and prayers offered. Our family will be forever grateful to everyone who has reached out.”

O’Neill-Borders said the blood drive served as a multiple outreach day. Originally the plan was simply for a blood drive, but after recognizing the financial strain of Brian’s extended hospital stay, O’Neill-Borders wanted to do more.

Previous events hosted for the family include a No Shave November drive by the Lemont police department, which raised roughly $9,000, and a stem cell drive, which connected Brian with a compatible donor at a time of need.

Other times community members have also signed up to provide vegan meals to the family, something O’Neill-Borders does quite frequently to help lighten Kate’s load.

Above all else, Karen and O’Neill-Borders stressed Brian's the strength and resilience throughout this battle. O’Neill-Borders, whose father was diagnosed with cancer, said it has been eye-opening to see Brian fight every day and be present for his children.

“You know, at some point you see most cancer patients just get tired of fighting, but not Brian,” O’Neill-Borders said. “Never count him out. I don’t know how he does it, but he continues to battle forward. I just want him to see it’s not just him in the battle—we’re in this with him."