National Cancer Survivors Day 2014

6-6-14

Cancer survivors, caregivers and healthcare volunteers gathered in Decatur and Effingham on Thursday, June 5th, to celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day.

Decatur Highlights – Over 1,000 attended in Decatur. Master of Ceremonies was Chris Bullock from Cromwell Radio Group. Reverend Dan Spruell gave the invocation. Dinner was catered by the Decatur Hotel & Conference Center. Edd Powers and Tony Capps with Soldiers of The Light entertained guests. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Harold Yoon presented photos from his mission trips in Thailand. In addition, volunteers from CCSCI, DMH, and St. Mary’s, including Dr. Ben Esparaz, Dr. Renata Moore, LeAnn Rhinehart NP, Dr. Sebastien Kairouz, Dr. Mary Anne de Paz and Dr. Mario Velasco presented cancer survivors with recognition pins to celebrate their survivorship.

Effingham Highlights – Participants in Effingham set an all-time high record with 650 guests in attendance this year! Volunteers from Crossroads Cancer Center, St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, American Cancer Society, and K.C. Hall all joined to set up and welcome guests. Dinner was catered by Martin’s IGA. Entertainment was provided by local favorite J. Christopher “One Man Band.” Dr. Philip Dy and Dr. Ruben Boyajian led the program, including information on the importance of pathology for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Steve Jones, pathologist at St. Anthony’s, along with oncology doctors Dr. Michael Bruin, Dr. Bassam Maalouf, and Dr. Irene Dy also participated and joined survivors in the song Will The Circle Be Unbroken, with revised lyrics from Dr. Boyajian referring to “breaking the circle” of cancer. All cancer survivors received a carnation from K&M Florist in honor of their courageous spirit.