Greenwich Hospital’s “Soar into Survivorship” celebration brought together more than 100 former patients, volunteers and oncology staff to pay tribute to cancer survivors from throughout the area.
“We celebrate your towering strength and victories as we look toward a brighter future,” Sue Brown, RN, MSN, executive vice president of operations for Greenwich Hospital, told the audience gathered at the terrace overlooking the hospital’s Carl and Dorothy Bennett Community Garden. “Today we pause to celebrate you and wish you continued good health and happiness.”
Cancer survivorship is on the rise thanks to treatment advancements that prolong and enhance the quality of life. An estimated 15.5 million Americans are cancer survivors.
Among the event highlights were remarks from survivors, including Kristin Addison of Greenwich, a breast cancer survivor and volunteer at the hospital. Addison said she never doubted her decision to undergo a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation at Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Greenwich Hospital campus.
“The compassion and knowledge of everyone at Greenwich Hospital is top notch. I was an ordinary patient, but my team took care of me as if I was the most important person on earth. I do not know what the future holds. But I am at peace and grateful for my cancer journey. It sounds cliché, but I look at my cancer diagnosis as a gift. It has made me slow down, appreciate the little things and live my life to the fullest,” she said.
Cancer survivor Lee Robbins spoke about the dedication of the cancer care staff he encountered at Greenwich Hospital and singer/songwriter Charles Scopoletti, a two-time cancer survivor, entertained the audience.
The celebration featured information about resources available at the hospital and numerous partners in cancer care, including the Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling Program, the American Cancer Society, the Good Dog Foundation, CancerCare and Healing Touch.
