St. Mary Medical Center Honors Cancer Survivors and Their Families at National Cancer Survivor Day Celebration

In honor of National Cancer Survivor Day, St. Mary Medical Center held their eighth annual luncheon and program for cancer survivors and their families. The celebration featured entertainment by renowned Hobart High School choir group, Wolffgang, free chair massages and a meditation demonstration. Nurses from the hospital’s oncology unit served ice cream sundaes to guests and handed out door prizes donated by local businesses.

“It is an honor to serve these patients,” says Betty Lane, RN, nurse manager of Oncology at St. Mary Medical Center. “Cancer patients are special in the way they face the challenges of this disease with grace, dignity and determination. They inspire me every day and make me want to be a better person.”

Participant Jill Rosedale, of Cary, IL has been affected by cancer. “Everyone in my family has been touched by cancer,” says Rosedale, whose mother lives in Portage. “Four out of five of us have had a different type of cancer, and I had two kinds. It has been difficult, but the important thing is to keep a positive attitude, and celebrate life and healing.” After Rosedale’s mother was declared cancer-free, they celebrated by going on a cruise. “Your attitude is something you can choose. You can either be happy or unhappy, and I’ve chosen to be happy.” Rosedale also points out that there are more options now for people who find out they have cancer in early stages. “There are so many opportunities to get screenings for cancer. If it is caught early, people can be well and resume a wonderful quality of life. Get to the doctor and get screened, there is so much support and hope out there!” Rosedale has been cancer-free for 5 years now.

National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual, worldwide Celebration of Life that is held in hundreds of communities on the first Sunday in June. The event helps demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis can be productive and meaningful.

Photo: Cancer survivor, Jill Rosedale of Barrington, IL is congratulated by DJ Jim Rainbolt after winning a door prize at the Cancer Survivor Day Celebration held at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. Rosedale’s cousin, Joy James, works in the Cancer Registry at St. Mary Medical Center.