Brand Insights Sharing Hope, Shaping Survivorship: A National Call to Support Life Beyond Cancer A proud Chicago police officer for 31 years, 65-year-old Lester (Les) Balaszek built his career serving his community before retiring in 2021. He even had a brush with Hollywood along the way, working as an extra and performing a stunt in The Fugitive. But in July 2025, Les's story took an unexpected turn one that quickly became a deeply personal fight for his own health. That month, Les's daughter and sister - both registered nurses the results of his PSA test, which can help detect prostate cancer early. When they saw his numbers were elevated, they urged him to follow up with his doctor. This set off months of tests and referrals, including multiple biopsies, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of prostate cancer. After a complex start to his care journey, Les began exploring additional options. He followed the recommendation of a former Chicago Police Department partner and turned to City of Hope Cancer Center, where he secured an appointment with radiation oncologist Kevin King, M.D., at the downtown Chicago location shortly after reaching out. The team quickly determined that the cancer had spread, and in February 2026 Les began radiation therapy with hormonal therapy, followed by targeted high-dose radiation treatment to the small areas of cancer in his bones with Dr. King supporting him every step of the way. "I call Dr. King my 'partner on the job,"" Les said. Les was the first patient to treat on the Downtown Chicago location's newly launched EthosTM therapy system, which combines Al-driven adaptive radiation therapy with real- time imaging to deliver more precise, personalized care and account for any day-to-day anatomical changes. Presented by City of Hope Cancer Center Less than two months later, surrounded by his family, Les rang the bell to mark the end of his radiation therapy. While he continues long-term hormonal therapy and routine PSA monitoring, he is embracing his new lease on life and getting back to the things he enjoys most: woodworking, glamping with his wife in their new RV, playing piano, and making memories with their three young grandchildren. "I had a sergeant who used to say, 'Every day is a blessing,"" Les says. "Back then when I was younger, those words didn't mean as much to me as they do asked about now." Continued Hope in Survivorship During National Cancer Survivors Month, stories like Les's are a powerful reminder that life after active treatment is an important and growing chapter of the care journey. Supporting the growing number of Americans living years or decades beyond a cancer diagnosis has become one of the most urgent challenges in modern cancer care. For the first time, 70% of Americans diagnosed with cancer are surviving at least five years, a milestone reflecting decades of scientific progress and contributing to nearly 19 million people living with or beyond cancer. In response, City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, is setting a new standard for lifelong, research-driven survivorship care. That effort includes the City of Hope Line, a national initiative inviting survivors, caregivers, loved ones, clinicians and community members to dial a dedicated number throughout the month of June to share or listen to short messages answering one simple but powerful question: What would you say to someone who just heard the words, "You have cancer"? City of Hope Chicago's Hope Line installation can be found at City of Hope Cancer Center in Lake County and at select events in Chicagoland and southeast Wisconsin during June. Additionally, anyone can dial in to hear a message or leave one 24/7 by calling 626-218- 4056. Visit cityofhope.org/chicago to learn more about City of Hope's Illinois locations in Lake County, Downtown Chicago and the North Shore. SHARE HOPE.HEAR HOPE. Scan the QR code or call 626-218-4056 to share your support and take part in the City of Hope Line this National Cancer Survivors Month. Brand Insights Sharing Hope , Shaping Survivorship : A National Call to Support Life Beyond Cancer A proud Chicago police officer for 31 years , 65 - year - old Lester ( Les ) Balaszek built his career serving his community before retiring in 2021. He even had a brush with Hollywood along the way , working as an extra and performing a stunt in The Fugitive . But in July 2025 , Les's story took an unexpected turn one that quickly became a deeply personal fight for his own health . That month , Les's daughter and sister - both registered nurses the results of his PSA test , which can help detect prostate cancer early . When they saw his numbers were elevated , they urged him to follow up with his doctor . This set off months of tests and referrals , including multiple biopsies , ultimately leading to a diagnosis of prostate cancer . After a complex start to his care journey , Les began exploring additional options . He followed the recommendation of a former Chicago Police Department partner and turned to City of Hope Cancer Center , where he secured an appointment with radiation oncologist Kevin King , M.D. , at the downtown Chicago location shortly after reaching out . The team quickly determined that the cancer had spread , and in February 2026 Les began radiation therapy with hormonal therapy , followed by targeted high - dose radiation treatment to the small areas of cancer in his bones with Dr. King supporting him every step of the way . " I call Dr. King my ' partner on the job , " " Les said . Les was the first patient to treat on the Downtown Chicago location's newly launched EthosTM therapy system , which combines Al - driven adaptive radiation therapy with real- time imaging to deliver more precise , personalized care and account for any day - to - day anatomical changes . Presented by City of Hope Cancer Center Less than two months later , surrounded by his family , Les rang the bell to mark the end of his radiation therapy . While he continues long - term hormonal therapy and routine PSA monitoring , he is embracing his new lease on life and getting back to the things he enjoys most : woodworking , glamping with his wife in their new RV , playing piano , and making memories with their three young grandchildren . " I had a sergeant who used to say , ' Every day is a blessing , " " Les says . " Back then when I was younger , those words didn't mean as much to me as they do asked about now . " Continued Hope in Survivorship During National Cancer Survivors Month , stories like Les's are a powerful reminder that life after active treatment is an important and growing chapter of the care journey . Supporting the growing number of Americans living years or decades beyond a cancer diagnosis has become one of the most urgent challenges in modern cancer care . For the first time , 70 % of Americans diagnosed with cancer are surviving at least five years , a milestone reflecting decades of scientific progress and contributing to nearly 19 million people living with or beyond cancer . In response , City of Hope , one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States , is setting a new standard for lifelong , research - driven survivorship care . That effort includes the City of Hope Line , a national initiative inviting survivors , caregivers , loved ones , clinicians and community members to dial a dedicated number throughout the month of June to share or listen to short messages answering one simple but powerful question : What would you say to someone who just heard the words , " You have cancer " ? City of Hope Chicago's Hope Line installation can be found at City of Hope Cancer Center in Lake County and at select events in Chicagoland and southeast Wisconsin during June . Additionally , anyone can dial in to hear a message or leave one 24/7 by calling 626-218- 4056 . Visit cityofhope.org/chicago to learn more about City of Hope's Illinois locations in Lake County , Downtown Chicago and the North Shore . SHARE HOPE.HEAR HOPE . Scan the QR code or call 626-218-4056 to share your support and take part in the City of Hope Line this National Cancer Survivors Month .