Four Five-Year Cancer Survivors from Lake County Celebrate Life with more than 140 Fellow Survivors from Across the Country
Sheri Ramos and Christine Clark, both breast cancer survivors, Patsy Collins, a uterine cancer survivor and Patricia Biastock, a colon cancer survivor from Lake County joined more than 140 five-year cancer survivors on Friday, June 10, 2016, for Celebrate Life®, an annual day of empowerment and celebration conceived by Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern). This was the 28th year that CTCA® at Midwestern has held Celebrate Life, and a record number of patients and caregivers participated to mark the occasion.
All Lake County cancer survivors and the other celebrants, representing 32 states, including Hawaii, were transported to the event on large Coach buses and escorted, with lights flashing, by members of the Zion, Ill. Fire-Rescue Department. Upon arrival, the celebrants stepped on to a red carpet, lined on both sides with hundreds of supporters comprised of family, friends, doctors, nurses and members of the community. The survivors united as a group for inspirational opening remarks before participating in a commemorative tree planting ceremony. Every year, a tree is planted in honor of each five-year cancer survivor, providing the nation with a forest of life-giving trees that represent cancer survivorship. Each survivor is also honored with an engraved gold leaf, which is proudly displayed on one of four blossoming "Trees of Life" located within the hospital.
"Patients and families who come to CTCA do so with a great sense of hope," said Scott Jones, president and CEO of CTCA at Midwestern. "We honor, respect and share in that hope year-round. We especially look forward to the month of June, when we get the privilege of celebrating with our five-year survivors during Celebrate Life. This day is a testament to the strength and perseverance of all cancer survivors."
As celebrants and their families enjoyed the festivities, they shared stories of survivorship with one another and took time to visit patients within the hospital who are in the midst of their cancer journey, offering words of hope and support. Many also reflected on moments they've been able to share with their family, or how they view life through a new lens due to their cancer journey.
"Realizing that life is precious, in the last five years I've enjoyed spending time with loved ones and don't take anything for granted," said Ramos. "I've made it a priority to take vacations and participate in activities I enjoy such as Relay for Life events."
"God has given me an opportunity that I will not take for granted, but treasure each and every day," said Clark. "I am grateful to to continue my commitment to serving my community as a public educator and spend quality time with family."
"My cancer journey has made me realize that tomorrow is not promised," said Collins. "Therefore, I live life to the fullest, don't sweat the little things and now know that each and every day is a true blessing."
"Being a five year survivor has showed me that my friends and family will always remain by my side," said Biastock. "I have been amazed by the love, loyalty and sacrifice they have poured upon me."
Before the day concluded, each celebrant and their guests enjoyed a gourmet lunch prepared by the culinary team at CTCA, during which time more stories were shared, friendships were formed, and memories were made.
For more information on Celebrate Life or CTCA at Midwestern please visit: www.cancercenter.com/midwestern.
About Cancer Treatment Centers of America®
Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., is a national network of five hospitals that serves adult patients who are fighting cancer. CTCA® offers an integrative approach to care that combines advancements in genomic testing and precision cancer treatment, surgery, radiation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, with evidence-based complementary therapies that support patients physically and emotionally, enhancing their quality of life while reducing side effects both during and after treatment. CTCA serves patients from around the world at its hospitals in Atlanta, Suburban Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tulsa. Consistently rated among U.S. hospitals that deliver the highest quality of care and patient experience, CTCA provides patients and their families with comprehensive information about their treatment options and encourages their active participation in treatment decisions. For more information, please visit cancercenter.com, Facebook.com/cancercenter and Twitter.com/cancercenter.
About Cancer Treatment Centers of America® at Midwestern Regional Medical Center
Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) is a landmark in cancer care that uses advanced technology and precision medicine to offer treatment for adult patients battling cancer. The 72-bed hospital combines innovative conventional medical treatments with evidence-based integrative oncology services to deliver whole-person care. CTCA® at Midwestern is a Magnet Recognized® hospital, ranking among the top centers in the nation for nursing excellence. The hospital is accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for demonstrating compliance with the FACT-JACIE International Standards for Cellular Therapy Product Collection, Processing and Administration. CTCA at Midwestern also holds high honors as a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence™, recognized by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers ProgramTM (NQMBC®). For more information, please visit www.cancercenter.com/midwestern.