Hundreds of cancer survivors from around the region gathered under a big white tent at to celebrate the 10th annual Cancer Survivors’ Day sponsored by on Sunday, September 9, 2012.
“From the time of your diagnosis, you are considered a survivor—not only you, but your caregivers as well,” mistress of ceremonies Tracy Bielert told the crowd in her opening remarks. Bielert is manager of Radiation Oncology for MidState.
Cathy Stevens, Vice President of Patient Services at MidState, also addressed the survivors. "What a beautiful day. What a beautiful venue. And most importantly, what a beautiful reason to get together," she said.
The two-hour celebration included live music, food, flowers, activities for kids, raffles and inspiring words from survivors, caregivers and cancer professionals from MidState.
Gifts made in memory of Mrs. Patricia Martelli, who passed away in March after a seven-year battle with stage-four breast cancer, helped underwrite the festivities.
"We can survive this menace called cancer," shared keynote speaker Dr. Aly Hemdan Abdulla, not only because of tools and technology that are advancing faster than ever before, "but also because we have love."
Take a look at these photos and video clips that capture the flavor of this meaningful day, officially proclaimed Cancer Survivors’ Day by the mayors of both Meriden and Wallingford.
