Cancer survivors to Celebrate Life
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PUBLICATION: Wagoner Tribune
DATE PUBLISHED: 9/20/12
Still inspired about life despite their cancer battles, more than 200 survivors will celebrate their five-year milestone since their first treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at the hospital’s annual “Celebrate Life” event Friday, Sept. 21.
“This year’s event theme is ‘Inspire!’” said Steve Mackin, president and CEO at CTCA in Tulsa. “I’m sure the celebrants are more inspired in their daily lives as survivors, but most importantly the celebrants are truly an inspiration to all of us for their courage and strength despite difficult diagnoses.”
The regional event will kick off with a tree planting ceremony and white dove release, both open to the public, at 9:45 a.m. in the courtyard of the hospital at 10109 E. 79th St. The names of the celebrants will be added to brass leaves on the “Survivor Tree” in the hospital’s lobby.
Following the outdoor ceremony, the five-year survivors and their caregivers will participate in “Hope Rounds” from 10:30 – 11 a.m. During this special time, celebrants will receive commemorative lapel pins – one for themselves and one to share in an encouraging way as a symbolic transfer of hope to patients currently undergoing treatment inside the hospital.
“The ‘Hope Rounds’ portion of the event ties a survivor to a current patient, truly inspiring our patients who are in the midst of their fight with cancer,” added Mackin. “It serves as a testament to our unique integrative care model and our commitment to partner with our patients during their battle and beyond.”
Tulsa resident Phil Gossett, 89, will be among the 208 survivors honored this year.
Gossett was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007. After his physician suggested CTCA, Gossett began treatment at the Tulsa center, receiving 39 radiation treatments.
“The people at CTCA were a great help in my journey,” Gossett said. “They showed me concern and compassion. They are great people who really cared for me.”
He is looking forward to attending Celebrate Life with his friends and family who supported him during his treatments.
“I am most excited about being [cancer] free for five years and for having the friends that I have,” Gossett said.
