07/16/2026
Dianna's 17-month fight with breast cancer was made just a little bit easier because of parks and recreation community around her. And in today's installment of IAPD's "My Illinois Park Story" for , we are honored to share the Village of Monee Parks & Recreation Director's story...
“Parks have always been a part of my life. I grew up near several parks, spent countless hours exploring them as a child, then shared those same experiences with my own children, and now with my granddaughter. Parks create memories, bring people together, and improve the quality of life for every generation. That is why I truly believe a career in parks and recreation is one of the greatest careers a person can have. Recently, my passion for this profession was tested in ways I never imagined. For 17 months, I fought breast cancer. During that time, I endured 20 rounds of chemotherapy, 26 rounds of radiation, multiple surgeries, and countless doctor's appointments. People often told me I was crazy, but the deep love I have for parks helped me to continue to work whenever I could. I attended meetings from a hospital chair during seven-hour chemotherapy treatments, laptop balanced on my lap. I returned to work sooner than expected after surgery because our team was in the middle of developing a new sports complex. It was a project that demanded countless meetings, long hours, and plenty of blood, sweat, and tears. In my case, that phrase became quite literal. What carried me through wasn't just determination—it was the incredible community of Monee. All because of parks. I have been honored to serve the Village of Monee for many years, and throughout that time I have built meaningful relationships with our residents and local businesses. If you know Monee, you know it is a community that truly takes care of its own. During my cancer journey, that love surrounded me. Residents, businesses, coworkers, and friends stopped by to check on me. They sent cards, meals, blankets, flowers, encouraging messages, and endless prayers. Every gesture, no matter how small, reminded me that I wasn't fighting alone. One moment will stay with me forever. One of my favorite programs that I introduced when I came to Monee is our Senior Luncheons. During our October luncheon, which happened to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wasn't feeling well and stayed in my office while the luncheon was getting underway. A staff member came to get me and asked me to come into the room. When I walked in, I was overwhelmed. Every single person was dressed in pink. Village staff stood alongside our seniors wearing pink in support. The entire room had transformed into a sea of encouragement. Then I learned that an anonymous donor, after hearing what everyone had planned, had paid for every meal that day. There wasn't a dry eye in the room—including mine. That moment reminded me why parks and recreation is so much more than maintaining parks or organizing events. It's about creating places where people build relationships, celebrate together, lift one another up during difficult times, and become family. Not long afterward, WGN visited Monee for their "Your Hometown – Monee" segment. It beautifully captured the spirit of our community, but what the cameras couldn't fully capture was the heart behind it. Monee isn't just where I work—it's a community that loved me through one of the hardest chapters of my life. Cancer changed me, but it also strengthened my appreciation for this profession and the people I have the privilege of serving. Every park, every program, every event, and every smiling face reminds me why I chose this career. At the end of the day, parks are about people. And I am forever grateful that the people of Monee reminded me of that when I needed it most.”
