Brian G. Sladek

Brian Gregory Sladek, age 39 of Lemont, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, August 27th, 2019, after four blood cancer diagnoses over the last 20 years. He didn’t just fight or battle or journey through his illnesses – he went above and beyond, along with his wonderful medical teams, to give his body the best chance  – and with unbelievable courage, strength and grace.   

Brian was born on September 12th, 1979, at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn to parents Karen and Gregory Sladek. He grew up in Palos Hills, attended schools in District 117 and went to Amos Alonzo Stagg High School. “Sladek” then attended the University of Central Florida in Orlando on partial academic scholarship, where he was first diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1999, only 20 years old. He moved home for treatment and his first stem cell transplant at Rush University Medical Center, all the while taking classes at Moraine Valley, and completing his schooling at DePaul University with his BA in Marketing. He then moved to San Diego, CA to “forget cancer, and try life out West,” where he enjoyed the beach and really got the surfing bug!

During this time, he reconnected with his close friend from high school, Katie Kelly, and in 2005 moved across the country for her, to St. Petersburg, Florida. Bri worked at Franklin Templeton while Kate carried out her veterinary technician dream at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. They loved living near the beach, often visiting his Grandma Marie close by, and hosted many friends and family. During this time he completed his MBA at University of Florida in Business Administration.

Brian & Kate returned to marry here in Chicago in 2007, and eventually moved back for good in 2009 – for Kate’s job opportunity at Brookfield Zoo, and hopeful to start a family. In 2010, months after moving home, Brian was hired at Goldman Sachs, but shortly thereafter was diagnosed for the second time with NHL, at 30 years old. He again went through treatment and a stem cell transplant at Rush…His REAL battle was learning to cope with the unfairness, and the effects of the disease on every aspect of life, but he surely prevailed!

One of his lifetime achievements was running for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man/Woman of the Year campaign in 2012. Kate was his manager, his family his team, and they had no idea what they were getting into…10 weeks, 16 events; they raised over $102,000 and Brian won the MOY title. From then on he got the bug. Found a way to give back. -Brian left the financial industry and made it his lifelong goal to support others, help change legislation, and advocate for the rights of patients like himself. He’s been employed with LLS ever since, and their support for Brian both personally and professionally has not wavered.

In Feb.2014, the other Loves of Brian’s Life were born – Avery Brian and Vivienne Marie. These kids brightened his life to no end, and were amazing distractions! Brian has always remarked how Kate, Ave and Viv have been his source of strength, and he remains theirs…

Brian’s third NHL diagnosis came in 2016, two months after moving to Lemont. He endured more treatment, and his third stem cell transplant. Brian is on an impressive short list of people who survived three stem cell transplants! Sadly, exactly one year out, Bri was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome - a direct result of his cumulative treatments. He’s had numerous complications & secondary infections, especially during these most recent years, but he and his family have witnessed miracles firsthand, especially during this last year. During this time Brian’s Mom, Karen, introduced the family to Parkview Christian Church. Brian has always been spiritual, and though he was born, raised, married, and baptized his babies in the Catholic Church, Parkview came into his life at the perfect time. He felt at home, and found peace and confidence in his relationship with God. Brian and Kate, the kids and their parents, made hospital life their own, adapting as needed on a daily basis, and always incorporating their faith.

Brian’s favorite hobbies, besides spending quality time with his family, were ANYTHING Cubs-related, going to baseball games, attending concerts & listening to live music, reading & writing – he authored several publications, playing the guitar & composing music, visiting family in Colorado and his Dad & Di and close friends in Florida.

Brian is survived by his adoring wife, Kate; his endearing five year old twins, Avery and Vivi; his loving Mom, Karen; his devoted Dad and Stepmom Diane (nee Gannon); his Grandma Irene Gannon; his in-laws Mike and Arlene Kelly (nee McComb); brother and sister-in-law Jonathan and Emily Kelly (nee Teed), niece Charlie and nephew Camper Kelly; and numerous loving and supportive Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, incredible friends, the most encouraging neighbors & community members, and the most wonderful, caring medical team...

Brian was preceded in death by his maternal Grandparents Sally Sagen (nee Domenick) and Leonard “Sparky” Sagen, and his paternal Grandparents Marie Sladek (nee Kroc) and Emil Sladek, and Grandpa Ed “Papa Bear” Gannon.  

Bri said to Kate just last week…”I’ve had a great 40 years…a wonderful childhood, we have an amazing marriage…and the best kids. I want the kids to always know how proud of them I am.” Numerous times Brian’s cancer threatened and ultimately took his life, but it also exalted it, brought with it a bright, determined and passionate clarity. His legacy is his work in patient care and advocacy for cancer patients, and his shining example of love, courage and strength throughout his entire life.

Services will be held at Parkview Christian Church in Homer Glen.

The Wake will be tomorrow, Friday, August 30th, from 4-8pm, and the Funeral this Saturday, August 31st, at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, Brian wishes for memorial donations in his name to be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Illinois.

www.lls.org/illinois