Baptist Memorial Health Care honored cancer survivors and their supporters this month with events featuring music, fellowship, food and butterfly releases in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. National Cancer Survivors Day, observed this year on Sunday, June 1, is celebrated annually to inspire cancer survivors and supporters and serve as a call to action for further research, more resources and increased awareness. Keep reading to learn more about the special ways Baptist honored cancer survivors.
Baptist Cancer Center-Anderson held its 12th annual Handprints of Hope event during the first week of June. This year, team members visited with 143 survivors who placed their handprints on canvases, representing 1,323 years of survivorship. Handprints of Hope canvases are displayed in the cancer center to serve as an encouragement for patients undergoing treatment.
Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto held its first annual DeSoto Cancer Survivors Day Celebration on June 1. The event consisted of a live worship band, food trucks, lawn games, a photo booth and butterfly release. More than 80 participants and their guests enjoyed great food, fellowship, listening to inspirational patient testimonies and small gifts from local vendors. Baptist Cancer Center staff provided information regarding cancer screenings and preventive measures.
Baptist Cancer Center-Jackson recognized cancer survivors and their supporters on Thursday, May 29 with a butterfly release, consisting of almost 100 butterflies, in the Serenity Garden. Cancer survivor Raphael Semmes and Todd Bobo provided live music. Two local media outlets covered the event.
Baptist Cancer Center-Memphis hosted the Rhythm of Life Cancer Survivor Celebration and Awareness Day event on Thursday, June 5 at Shelby Farms Park in front of Hyde Lake to honor cancer survivors, extend support to those affected by cancer and encourage others to take proactive steps for prevention and early detection. Dr. Philip Lammers spoke to honor cancer survivors, and Dory Sellers Gaston, DDS, shared her cancer survivor story. Activities included line dancing, music from DJ Gee Honey, the MEGA Colon walk-through educational exhibit, a photo booth, food trucks, games, face painting, educational booths and vendors.
Baptist Cancer Center-North Mississippi will release butterflies for cancer survivors on Friday, June 13.
NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care celebrated National Cancer Survivors Day on June 1 with a lunch at Valley View Church of Christ. Attended by cancer survivors, their families and care team members, the event, themed “Let’s Celebrate,” featured disco tunes and stories of hope and perseverance.
