Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Center recently hosted a celebration of life in honor of cancer survivors.
Local cancer survivors joined 11 million others across the nation and world in observing the 23rd annual National Cancer Survivors Day.
CELEBRATING CANCER SURVIVAL – Local cancer survivors recently gathered at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Center to celebrate the 23rd annual National Cancer Survivors Day.
Hundreds of communities like Sugar Land hosted such events to “celebrate life and demonstrate that there is hope.”
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Center invited all local cancer survivors, caregivers, community leaders, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital physicians, employees and those passionate about the cause to the celebration. During the event, community members joined together in honoring the survivors living with a history of cancer in America today.
The contributions of their families, friends and healthcare providers who support cancer survivors were also recognized.
During the celebration, breast cancer survivor Cindy Dworaczyk shared her story and provided hope for those attending the event.
“From one survivor to another – a true warrior never ever turns his or her back to the battle field. Keep up the good fight,” Dworaczyk said.
Tommy Thompson, executive vice president of CanCare, congratulated the hospital for helping celebrate cancer survival.
“Your commitment to the well-being of your patients and the concern for the whole person is very evident, and the spirit of hope lives in you all,” Thompson said.
Clive Shkedy, radiation oncologist and medical director of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Center, said more people diagnosed with cancer are surviving every year.
“The overall five-year survival of an adult diagnosed with cancer is 68 percent. Today we celebrate life – perseverance, resilience and good fortune,” Shkedy said.
At the same time, he said, survivors should not overlook the victims of cancer who did not survive.
“We should not forget those who fought the fight yet succumbed to their illness. We should always remember them and treasure their memory,” Shkedy said. “As health care professionals, we are indebted to all of you for coming today; you all give us the strength to continue to wage this war. From the secretary, to the nurse; from the therapist, to the physician, we are grateful that you have given us the opportunity to be part of your cure and your lives. When we see you all leading productive lives – see you smiling and celebrating, see the impact you have had on your family on your community and on all of us – we are forever indebted to you all.”
Thirty-year cancer survivor Debbie Markesino said, thanks to the strides being made in cancer treatment, people like her are living cancer-free lives.
“My family and I thank the fine doctors who have dedicated their lives to this specialty at the sacrifice of time away from their own families, and I am thrilled that Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has brought such a high-quality cancer facility at the doorstep of Fort Bend residents,” Markesino said.
