Survivor's Day
Survivor’s Day is known as a “celebration of life” where cancer survivors’ gather to enjoy a fun filled day that includes stories of cancer survivors, musical entertainment, a keynote speaker, face painting, survivor photo’s, Magic of Christopher, and much more. It is an annual themed event that is free and open to all cancer survivors and their family members.
Past Survivors’ Day Events
Survivor's Day 2011
On Sunday, May 15th, close to 300 survivors, friends, family, caregivers, staff and volunteers gathered at the Cancer Center under a huge tent to join us on “Inspiration Island!” Although it rained throughout the day, it did not the laughter and celebration of life. The Inspiration Island theme included having grass-skirted tables and flower lei necklaces for all! All of our cancer survivor’s are an inspiration to everyone for having gone through the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and who are now celebrating life as they have overcome this battle. The tent was decorated with art work from local middle school students including tropical fish, birds and vines as well as beautiful flower arrangements and colorful palm tree centerpieces.
A variety of festivities filled up the day despite the dreary weather including great food, beautiful face painting, a bouncy house for children, exhibits, free integrative therapy experiential sessions, and raffle prize give-aways! Additionally, music by The Key West Trio band added to the island atmosphere. The main event was provided by the two-time cancer survivor and humorist Mack Dryden, who appeared on the Tonight Show and was a former staff writer for Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher. Another survivor’s group photo was taken by our photographer at this year’s event showing how many more cancer survivors are surviving on Inspiration Island!
The afternoon celebration included remarks by Andrea Malon, MD, Cancer Center Medical Director; Gary Havican, Administrative Director; Middlesex Hospital President and CEO, Vin Capece; and Middlesex Hospital Vice President of Operations, Harry Evert. The speeches were given by cancer survivors Dr. Edward Meyer and Denice Cama and a physician speech was given by Dr. Kimmel. A recognition award was presented in honor of John Dolishny who coordinated fundraising events with the Cancer Center through Tanger Outlets. New to this year’s event was a Survivor Award which was awarded to Christine Willett, founder and President of the After the Storm, Inc. foundation.
Survivor's Day 2010
On Sunday, May 16th close to 400 survivors, friends, family, caregivers, staff and volunteers gathered at the Cancer Center under a huge tent to enjoy “Soaring with Hope.” The theme included hot air balloons and kites which symbolized a survivor’s strength to continue to live their life as a cancer survivor with hope. The tent was decorated with mini hot air balloon center pieces that were created by our wonderfully creative volunteers and kites that were strung up all around the tent that were created by local middle school students. Although, the hot air balloon was not able to provide rides due to weather challenges a variety of festivities filled up the day including beautiful face painting, the Magic of Christopher, a bouncy house for children, exhibits, free integrative therapy experiential sessions, and raffle prize give-aways! Great food was provided by Doug Paup and his wonderful team and Irish balladeers, The Kerry Boys, performed as our lively musical entertainment for the event. A survivor’s group photo, replicating an original Cancer Center photo from 20 years ago, was taken by our photographer at this year’s event as well.
The afternoon celebration included remarks by Andrea Malon, MD, Cancer Center Medical Director; Gary Havican, Administrative Director; Middlesex Hospital Vice President of Operations, Harry Evert; Middlesex Hospital Senior Vice President and COO, Vin Capece; and Deputy Mayor Joseph Bibisi. The keynote speech was given by comedian and author Brenda Elsagher and breakout sessions were presented by Hope Douglas and John Crown. A recognition award was presented in honor of our late yoga instructor Deb Campagna for her contributions to the Cancer Center.
The Cancer Center and event committee staff would like to extend a special thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this event so special!
Survivors’ Day 2009
On Sunday, May 17th close to 400 survivors, friends, family, caregivers, staff and volunteers gathered at the Cancer Center under a huge tent to enjoy “Laughter is the Best Medicine!” The theme was cabaret and comedy and all enjoyed music from the 20s to 30s era. All were greeted with a grand entrance through a large balloon arch, anchored by gold comedy masks. The festivities included the Magic of Christopher, fabulous face painting, a bouncy house for children, a photo board, exhibits and free chair massages and reflexology. Great food was provided by Doug Paup and his wonderful team. A variety of door prizes were donated as well.
The afternoon celebration included remarks by Andrea Malon, MD, Cancer Center Medical Director; Gary Havican, Administrative Director; Middlesex Hospital Vice President of Operations, Harry Evert; Middlesex Hospital Senior Vice President and COO, Vin Capece; Deputy Mayor Joseph Bibisi; oncologist Michael Farrell, MD and cancer survivors/caregivers Nina Scharette, Kathy Powers and Dick Manwaring. Dr. J. Bardenheir was honored for his contributions to the Cancer Center.
The Cancer Center and event committee staff would like to extend a special thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this event so special!
