The Four Seasons Bistro at the University of Toledo Medical Center is usually buzzing with activity, but there was something else in the air Tuesday evening — hope.
UToledo Health hosted the annual Cancer Survivorship Celebration, inviting past and current patients of the Dana Cancer Center to enjoy dinner, desserts, activities and access to local services. But according to keynote speaker Leonardo Gomez, the event more importantly brought those who have battled cancer together.
Cancer survivor Leonardo Gomez, keynote speaker at Tuesday’s annual Cancer Survivorship Celebration at Dana Cancer Center, shares the story of his cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“They go through all of the hardships, all of the stress, the anxiety. All of the doctors’ appointments, visits and procedures they might do. They may feel that it’s all in the shadows, a bit behind the scenes, but today is the day to put it in the spotlight for everyone to know that they are a cancer survivor,” Gomez said
Gomez was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2023 and has been in remission for nearly three years. Training to be a dentist, Gomez said he learned so much from the infusion team at the Dana Center about connecting with patients as a provider.
“They are always there encouraging you, offering you the compassion, support and strength you need to get through it,” he said.
UToledo Health medical oncologist Dr. Danae Hamouda said there are more than 18 million people living with, through and beyond cancer in the United States. And events like the Cancer Survivorship Celebration help everyone to not only understand the fight of a cancer diagnosis, but to be inspired by their stories.
“There is immense power and hope that comes from survivors,” Hamouda said. “Especially those who can find their voices and use their personal stories to help advocate for continued, positive change in such selflessness so that others may benefit.”
