Chicago, IL. Survivors Susan Warmerdam, treated at Northwestern Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Susan O’Conell, treated at Rush University Cancer Center, will be representing Team Draft at the Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings Game Sunday afternoon.

Susan Warmerdam represented Team Draft last year at the Chicago Bears game. She has worked tirelessly as an advocate for lung cancer across the nation. Her story is an inspiration and a true testament to the new developments in research and treatment. Here is her story in her own words:

At 47, the news that I had an inoperable and, according to the medical community, incurable cancer was devastating. As soon as my initial shock and depression could be forced aside, I decide that I would beat this disease. I would be the miracle patient, and I vowed to do everything within my power to fight for my life. I did extensive research in both western and holistic medicine. I selected an oncologist and began treatment at Northwestern with a daily oral chemo drug. At the same time, I volunteered to be part of a test group for a new experimental drug. At home, I purged my life of all carcinogenic chemicals, unnecessary dyes, fragrances and additives. I took steps to limit my exposure to unnecessary radiation. I overhauled my diet, completely eliminating sugar, meats and dairy, and moved to a primarily plant-based diet with an occasional fish. My oncologist thought all of these steps, especially my new diet, were unnecessary and possibly harmful, but when I returned for my first follow up CT Scan 6 weeks later, my tumors had shrunk by 30%–70%. The best (“stellar” was the word used) results my doctor had ever seen.