From family members to friends, everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer. At 12:30 p.m., on Sunday, November 16, 2014, at the Bridgeport Conference Center, the Cecil B. Highland, Jr., & Barbara B. Highland Cancer Center at United Hospital Center will hold its 15th annual Celebration of Life.

 

Since the events inception in 1999, cancer survivors, their family members and close friends, along with physicians, nurses, social workers and other cancer caregivers at UHC have helped to raise awareness about the battle against cancer.

 

“This poignant event allows those living with cancer an opportunity to share their stories, learn from oncology experts at UHC and spend time discovering how to enjoy life after the diagnosis of cancer,” said Linda Carte, RN, MSN, AOCN, director of cancer services.  “At the same time we will be honoring these cancer survivors, patients and their guests with the inspiration that truly there is life after a cancer diagnosis—and it’s worth celebrating.”

 

Cancer survivors and cancer patients from UHC are invited to attend with a guest this event that is held in their honor.  The complimentary program of information, inspiration, laughter, brunch and fellowship will feature Hampstead Stage Company, a national touring theatre company from New Hampshire.  They will be performing Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. 

 

Each year the cancer center recognizes an individual at Celebration of Life with the Guardian Angel Award.  This is a person who provided significant support to a cancer survivor throughout the survivor’s diagnosis and treatment. 

 

“The Guardian Angel Award has become a cherished, annual honor. It is the one day each year that we pause to recognize that special person who has helped a family member, friend, neighbor or coworker,” said Carte.  “A nominee is someone who has provided significant support throughout the survivor’s diagnosis and treatment.” 

 

If you would like to nominate someone, please send a description of the nominee’s qualifications.  The nomination should be 250 words or less and should reflect how the nominee comforted, uplifted and supported someone who has battled cancer.  Be sure to include your name and a daytime phone number, as well as the full name of your nominee.  Send nominations to Public Relations, United Hospital Center, 327 Medical Park Drive, Bridgeport, WV 26330.  The deadline for entries is Wednesday, November 12.

 

Both the event and award provides an opportunity for cancer survivors to connect with other survivors, celebrate milestones and recognize the healthcare providers, family, and friends who have supported them along the way. It is a day for cancer survivors to stand together and show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful, productive and even inspiring.

 

Cancer survivorship is an important issue as it affects nearly 14 million people in the United States.  An individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnoses, through the balance of his or her life.  “Celebration of Life ‘puts a face’ on cancer, while at the same time providing hope to all that fight it,” Carte said. “No longer do we need to think the worst when we hear the word ‘cancer’, but rather we need to remember that more people are living longer and better quality lives after cancer than ever before.”