Brian Sladek

Brian Sladek has faced life’s toughest challenges with courage, resilience, and unwavering purpose. An honors student, athlete, and member of Youth and Government, Brian’s bright future was interrupted at age 20 when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He returned home for treatment, enduring a stem cell transplant, yet continued his education at Moraine Valley and DePaul University, determined not to let cancer define him. After marrying Stagg alum Kate Kelly in 2007 and starting a promising career at Goldman Sachs, Brian was diagnosed a second time at age 30. Once again, he fought through treatment and another transplant, while navigating the emotional and physical toll of the disease and raising twin daughters, Vivienne and Avery. Brian transformed his personal struggle into purpose, becoming a passionate advocate for cancer patients. In 2012, he ran the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year campaign, raising over $102,000, and went on to serve as Director of Patient Advocacy. He worked tirelessly with legislators to improve insurance access, helped create the LLS Survivorship Guide used by hospitals across Chicagoland, and provided guidance and support to countless patients and families. Brian’s courage, dedication, and compassion made him a role model, a leader, and a warrior whose legacy continues to impact the lives of cancer patients everywhere.