Excerpts from DailyHerald.com: Steve De Luca, a resident of Mount Prospect and a firefighter from Northbrook, is no stranger to challenges. In the coming months, he’s set to take on three major endurance events: a half-marathon in July, the Ironman Wisconsin in September, and the Chicago Marathon in October—his 25th race. But his journey has been anything but ordinary. Looking ahead to 2017, De Luca is aiming for an even more significant milestone: celebrating his 16th year being cancer-free. He first faced stage 3 colon cancer in 2001, and since then, he's shown incredible strength and resilience. His battle with cancer didn’t stop him from pursuing his passions or continuing his career. But that wasn’t the only health challenge he’s overcome. More than 20 years ago, surgeons removed a benign acoustic neuroma from his head, which left him with near-total hearing loss in his left ear. Over time, his hearing in the right ear has also started to decline. At one point, he worried this might affect his ability to work as a firefighter. Despite these odds, De Luca has continued serving as a firefighter apparatus engineer for 26 years. With the help of advanced hearing aids in both ears, he can still perform his duties effectively. These devices help him detect sounds and recognize emergency dispatch tones, making it possible for him to stay on the job. Northbrook Fire Chief Jose Torres says De Luca is one of just a few firefighters in the department who wears two hearing aids at once. “He’s an inspiration,†Torres said. “His dedication and perseverance are truly remarkable.†Beyond his personal battles, De Luca has become a strong advocate for health and wellness within the fire department. He supports the use of air quality monitors in dangerous environments, especially during cleanup operations after fires. While all firefighters wear breathing apparatuses, they often face exposure to toxins afterward, which makes monitoring air quality crucial. This year, Torres asked De Luca to join the department’s health and wellness committee, recognizing the value of his unique perspective. “He doesn’t do these races just for himself,†Torres explained. “He does them for others—especially those currently fighting cancer.†De Luca’s story is one of courage, determination, and purpose. He continues to push boundaries, not only for his own well-being but for the entire fire department and those facing their own health struggles. Thanks, Dan Flavor And Fragrance Intermediates Aromatic Chemicals,Perfumery Ingredients,Flavor Compounds Henan Kepeiao New Materials Co.,Ltd. , https://www.kopeochem.com