Suburban Football Star Who Battled Childhood Leukemia Hopes To Inspire Kids To Succeed

LEMONT, IL — Lemont resident Steve Ivanisevic was just 5 years old when he was diagnosed with pediatric leukemia. Now, the former Hinsdale South High School all-district cornerback and Washburn University Hall of Famer says his mission is to help every child see the strength within themselves.

"Pediatric leukemia had a huge effect on me while I was battling through it, but even today," Ivanisevic told Patch. "When I was 5, I had ports hanging from my chest where my medicine would go daily. I was also visiting the hospital for check-ups and transplants weekly. I knew I was different from the other kids my age and wanted to hide it as much as possible."

Ivanisevic said his diagnosis set him back socially throughout his life, and he was always "the shy kid."

"Sports was my way of freeing my mind, but also a way to gain back my social life," Ivanisevic said. "I joke around with my kids today saying if it weren’t for sports I’d have no friends, but realistically it’s true, I was way too shy to just go out and get friends."

Now a dad to two kids, Vivian, 8, and Henry, 4, the former football player said he wants every young person "to know they are never 'different' in a way that limits them."

"They are strong, capable, and worthy of every opportunity. Many of them have already overcome obstacles that would break most adults — and those challenges don’t define them; they build them."

After his high school career at Hinsdale South, Ivanisevic played football for two years at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of 2025 class.

"My passion has always been for kids — because every child has hope, and every child dreams," he said.

According to the university, Ivanisevic earned unanimous first team all-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association honors, and was the 2010 MIAA's special teams player of the year.

"And when you rise, share your story — because your strength has the power to inspire others to rise with you," Ivanisevic said.