If anyone had the excuse to throw in the towel or scream “I give up!” it would be most-senior Kankakee City Council member, Danita Grant Swanson.

However, that is not how this woman was raised nor how she has ever lived her life.

And despite troubling health news of which she has not hidden from the public, the 62-year-old 4th Ward alderwoman and longtime CEO of the 2 Rivers Area Credit Union continues to forge ahead despite Stage 4 cancer diagnosis.

“I have to keep going,” she matter-of-factly stated when asked about her decision to stay involved in business and elected office. “I can’t let this get me down.”

A city council member since 2003 – she is the longest-serving current member of the council – Grant Swanson said stepping aside from government nor work never crossed her mind.

Grant Swanson was originally diagnosed in May 2018 with breast cancer. She followed through on her treatments and had beaten the cancer.

However, after doing some traveling she notice her legs were becoming swollen. She brought the issue forward and testing this past October revealed Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

The bad news only got worse. The cancer had spread to her liver and lymph nodes.

The 14th child of 15 children born to Daniel and Elizabeth Grant, Grant Swanson made the decision not to hide her diagnosis. A note seeking prayers on her behalf was placed in St. John Paul II Catholic Church bulletin shortly after the diagnosis.

A woman of faith, Grant Swanson said she believes in the power of prayer and welcomes all those who want to include her in their prayers.

“I’ve always believed in the power of prayer,” said the 1982 graduate of Bishop McNamara Catholic High School.

Other than a few city council meetings and committee meetings which conflicted with treatments or appointments, Grant Swanson has maintained her presence. She also goes to work each and every day.

Mayor Curtis checks in

Another believer in prayer is Mayor Chris Curtis. Like others, he was apprehensive about bringing up the subject of her cancer.

He finally did. He told her that her health was her job priority.

She balked at the idea of stepping back from her elected office.

“I said if you have to leave a council meeting, then leave. Don’t worry about anything else,” Curtis said. He also mentioned he wouldn’t share her news with others.

Again, she pushed back at him.

“She let me know that she had no problem with others knowing. If others know, she said, then they may pray for her,” Curtis shared.

“She’s so courageous to come out and seek help. She is going to push and win over this. If you give up, cancer wins. I’m proud of her for the attitude she’s taken,” he said.

Grant Swanson’s 4th Ward seatmate, Lance Marczak, said the tenacity she has demonstrated could be labeled many ways. He used the word “impressive.”

“She still shows up for every committee meeting and nearly every council meeting,” he said. He noted she continues to chair the vast majority of the Public Safety Committee meeting which oversees the police and fire departments.

“Her dedication is extraordinary and I certainly – as well as all the other council members – want her to continue," he said.

Just beginning journey

Healthcare advances are allowing people like Grant Swanson to continue moving forward. She takes a medication known as lbrance daily. This medication’s goal is to stop cancer cells from dividing, growing and spreading.

Basically, this medication is to slow the cancer’s progression, meaning delaying the need for alternative treatments such as chemotherapy.

She also takes a once-a-month injection of Fulvestrant. This medication treats breast cancer by blocking the hormone estrogen in breast tissue. This treatment also is intended to prevent cancer cells from spreading or growing.

While she is not willing to discount the effects medications are playing in her fight, she is also a great believer in the role a positive attitude plays in moving forward.

She returned to the subject of prayer.

“The more people who pray for me, the better my outcome can be. It’s all about prayer and positive thought.”

She noted her doctor also gave her a key piece of advice. Simply put, she noted, it was to do things which make her happy. At this stage, maintaining her elected office and her job are two of those things.

She shared a piece of advice.

“You never know what’s going on in someone’s daily life. Try to show compassion to people.”

Grant Swanson knows she has many miles yet to walk in her life. She also has many steps to take through this journey. She is willing to travel this road.

“You can’t get a diagnosis much worse than what I received. I’m just beginning my journey.”

She has been told by numerous people of their astonishment of her continuing to work and hold her public office.

“So many get diagnosed and they think it’s all over. It doesn’t have to be that way.”