Hundreds Gather in Honor of LCM's Cancer Survivor's Day
Little Company News
06/27/2008
300 cancer survivors and their families gathered for a celebration brunch hosted by Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers in recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day on June 1st at the DoubleTree Hotel in Alsip. The celebratory day included a supportive atmosphere amongst other survivors and featured a spiritual liturgy, a complimentary breakfast and a presentation by nationally renowned speaker, Brenda Elsagher.
'More than 10 million cancer survivors live across our nation today, and thanks to advanced research and tools, survival rates are continuing to climb,' said Mary Alice Cullina, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Little Company of Mary's Cancer Center who emceed at the event. 'I am so pleased to see many the many familiar faces that have gone through our doors and are able to join us year after year.'
Following the liturgy and brunch, keynote speaker, Brenda Elsagher, entertained the crowd with her lecture titled 'A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to My Crises.' Brenda spoke to the audience about her experience with colorectal cancer. Through the use of anecdotes intertwined with humor, Brenda turned a serious topic into one that stimulated immense laughter throughout the crowd. In her speech, she not only encouraged survivors to 'mope, hope and cope,' but to 'work hard and smile pretty.'
Brenda is a nationally known speaker and comedian and has spoken on a variety of topics including leadership, diversity, faith, humor, business, and marriage. She is also a columnist for a nationally syndicated medical newsletter and has written for national magazines. She is the author of two books, 'I'd Like to Buy a Bowel Please!' and 'If the Battle is Over, Why Am I Still in Uniform?' of which each cancer survivor received a complimentary copy thanks in part by Brenda and Hollister Publishing Group.
Attendees were able to commemorate their morning by hanging a multi-colored ribbon they customized upon arrival. During their departure, guests passed nearly 150 ribbons sprawled across three panels, which recognized the numerous journeys that were celebrated that day.
The Cancer Center at Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers is ranked in the top 27 percent of the nation's cancer programs accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commision on Cancer. This facility provides quality care to patients with the benefits of promising new treatments, usually available only in a university-based hospital. It also features the latest in medical oncology and radiation oncology, including IMRT, as well as other new modalities such as Mammosite and radiofrequency tumor ablation. The Hospital also acquired a new digital mammography and MRI unit, both essential tools in the early detection and prevention of cancer.
In addition to traditional cancer services, The Cancer Center offers a full array of integrative therapy services for patients and those who support them. The Integrative Therapy department provides programs such as educational seminars, hypnosis, yoga, massage, acupuncture, art therapy and various support groups.
For more information about The Cancer Center at Little Company of Mary Hospital please call 1-866-540-LCMH.
