UToledo Health will host a survivorship celebration next week to honor the strength, courage and resiliency of those who have triumphed over cancer and those who are actively fighting the disease.
The June 9 event, which coincides with National Cancer Survivors Month, begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Delta Hotels Toledo on UToledo’s Health Science Campus.
Approximately 200 guests, including current and past cancer patients, as well as their family, friends and supporters, are expected to attend.
“Cancer therapy is often intense and challenging. As physicians and caregivers, we are there with our patients in their moments of uncertainty and moments of triumph,” said Dr. Natalie Rizk, a UToledo Health breast surgical oncologist. “The determination and strength we see in our patients is inspiring and humbling. We’re honored to welcome our patients back to celebrate their lives and their victories over cancer.”
The June 9 event will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, desserts, music, informational displays, giveaways, a photo booth and comments from cancer survivors and UToledo Health cancer specialists.
“This is a way for us to come together, celebrate our victories, provide hope and show our patients that we are here for them, now and into the future,” said Chris Kosinski, director of the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center. “It’s also a way for us to say thank you to those who chose to trust us with their treatment.”
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States, but significant progress has been made in fighting the disease.
In 1975, less than half of those diagnosed with cancer could expect to survive five years after diagnosis. In 2016, the most recent year for which data is available, nearly 72% of those diagnosed with cancer survived at least five years.
And experts are hopeful for the future of cancer care.
Improved methods for detecting cancer at its earliest stages and recent breakthroughs in new surgical techniques, therapeutic cancer vaccines, immunotherapies and other highly targeted treatments hold promise for better survival and improved quality of life after cancer.
“Cancer remains a life-altering diagnosis. There’s no question about that. However, science and medicine continue to advance,” Rizk said. “Treatments once unimaginable are now possible and there a lot of good reasons for hope.”
The Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center offers comprehensive, personalized care for cancer of any type or stage, including the latest personalized therapies, genetic counseling and access to clinical trials. Patients also have access to a full complement of support services.
