Early in the month of June, a date is set aside to celebrate the life of cancer survivors worldwide and to show that life after being diagnosed with cancer can be a reality.

Sherman Health was proud to host the 14th Annual Cancer Survivors’ Day Celebration earlier in the month. The event has come and gone, but lasting memories remain. Some of these memories were articulated by Cheri Novak, Registered Nurse and Oncology Certified Nurse at Sherman Hospital.

Sherman Health Blog: How many attendees were there at this year’s Cancer Survivors’ Day Celebration?
Cheri Novak: There were 64 attendees and 30 survivors in all.

SHB: What is generally talked about the most at the Cancer Survivors’ events?
CN: Survivors take time to give a voice to their stories. It can be difficult at times, but ultimately there is an overwhelming sense of survival and hope.

SHB: Who besides cancer survivors typically attend Cancer Survivors’ Day and what besides moral support do they contribute to the events?
CN: Anyone from physicians, nurses, family members, social workers, hospital chaplains, caregivers and friends are in attendance. All of these people are incredibly proud of the battle the cancer survivors fought and the journey they went through to overcome the disease. Along with pride there is also a sense of joy, relief, and above all, hope for future cancer patients.

SHB: What was the most inspiring part of the day?
CN: It was actually a poem, written by survivor Terry Porties. It was beautiful, and it brought tears to the eyes of everyone in attendance.

SHB: Who spoke at the event, and what were their “takeaway” messages?
CN: Dr. Yeshwant(an Oncologist at Sherman), Katie Newton(Sherman Hospital social worker), and Chaplain Neris Diaz-Cabello all spoke during Cancer Survivors’ Day. Again, their message was one of hope. Cancer is no longer an immediate death sentence. It can even be treated as a chronic condition in some cases. Treatment has advanced greatly in the last 25 years, which has led to many more survival outcomes and stories.

SHB: When and where is next year’s event taking place?
CN: A location will be determined by January. We have enjoyed having it at the Center; we are not sure if the event will move to the new hospital. Again, we’ll know more in January. As for the date, Cancer Survivors’ Day will always take place in the second week of June.

For more information or if you have any questions about Sherman Health’s cancer center, feel free to visit our cancer support resources website.