Lymphoma Survivor Races in Triathlon: ‘You Don’t Have a Lot of Time on This Planet’

In the summer of 2023, Adrian was a healthy high school graduate. He was training for the Chicago triathlon with a friend and preparing to start his freshman year at the University of Illinois, where he planned to study mechanical engineering. But mysterious symptoms began to trouble Adrian – then, they quickly took over his life.  

When he was no longer able to walk or keep food down, Adrian and his family urgently sought answers. He was admitted to Lurie Children’s. There, Adrian’s care team delivered the diagnosis of Stage IV Non-Hodgkins B-Cell Lymphoma.  

As Adrian embarked on a life-saving care plan of targeted radiation and chemotherapy, he put his plans for the future on hold. To stay closer to Lurie Children’s, he took a gap year from school. He also put aside his triathlon training. 

Thankfully, treatment was successful: In February 2024, Adrian finished his last round of chemotherapy. This summer, Adrian resumed training for the Chicago Triathlon – but this time, he’s biking, running and swimming with a mission in mind.  

“When I was in the hospital for treatment, I met other kids with cancer and blood disorders,” Adrian said. “Some were just tiny babies. Some didn’t get to go to school. I wanted to do this for them.” 

Adrian is raising funds for Lurie Children’s cancer research through the inaugural Corporate Challenge, which will take place at the Chicago Triathlon on August 24-25. Lurie Children's has been named the premier beneficiary of the event with fundraising efforts supporting the hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. 

Having currently raised more than $10,000, Adrian hopes to support research that advances treatments and saves more children affected by cancer and blood disorders.  

“If it weren’t for the amazing nurses, doctors and resources I received at Lurie Children’s, I probably would not be here today,” he said.  

Since his diagnosis, Adrian, who will begin college in the fall, has a new perspective that helps him stick to race training today.  

“Something that helped me get by was taking it one day at a time,” he said. “Some days aren't going to be great, but reminding yourself that an end will come gives a lot of hope. Hope can make a big difference.” 

“I’ve realized that health is a privilege, and I shouldn’t take anything for granted. You don’t have a lot of time on this planet; I want to try to experience as much as possible.” 

Learn more about the Inaugural Corporate Challenge at the 2024 Chicago Triathlon.