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Baptist Memorial Celebrates Cancer Survivors

Baptist Memorial Health Care honored cancer survivors and their supporters during National Cancer Survivors Month in June with several events in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. National Cancer Survivors Day, observed this year on June 7, is also celebrated annually to inspire cancer survivors and supporters and serve as a call to action for further research and more resources. Keep reading to learn more about the special ways Baptist Memorial honored cancer survivors.

Baptist Cancer Center-Anderson hosted the 13th annual “Handprints of Hope” event during the first week of June. Cancer survivors stopped by to add their handprint and years of survivorship to a special canvas that will be displayed in their honor in the center. Team members visited with the 114 survivors who placed their handprints on the canvas.

The “Handprints of Hope” canvas is a powerful display of strength and solidarity and will serve as a beacon of encouragement for patients undergoing treatment.

Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto hosted its second Annual Cancer Survivors Day Celebration on June 7. The day was filled with joy, connection and inspiration with 40 attendees, including 27 cancer survivors. Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto, along with 32 dedicated volunteers and numerous providers came together to show their support.

Two extraordinary cancer survivors and their spouses shared their stories. The event, held on the grounds of Baptist Desoto, featured a live worship band, food trucks, face painting, nutrition information, lawn games and a photo booth.

“One of the most meaningful moments of the day was when survivors tied ribbons — each representing their specific cancer — to a tree that has now been planted outside our infusion room window,” said Nicole Vice, Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto nurse manager. “In keeping with this year’s theme, ‘A Tree of Life, a Ribbon of Hope,’ this tree will stand as a lasting symbol of resilience, faith, love and community. As the tree continues to grow, so too will our commitment to supporting and uplifting every individual affected by cancer in our community.”

Baptist Cancer Center-Jackson recognized cancer survivors and their supporters on June 4 with a butterfly release in the Serenity Garden. Cancer survivor Raphael Semmes  provided live music.

Baptist Cancer Center-Memphis hosted the fourth annual Rhythm of Life Cancer Survivor Celebration and Awareness Day on June 4 at Shelby Farms Park to honor cancer survivors and celebrate milestones. Cancer survivor Laura Kathryn Mosby shared her story along with her physician from Baptist Cancer Center, Dr. Salil Goorha.

The event, which drew about 150 attendees, included local food trucks, live music, a photo booth and cancer screening education, such as the MEGA Colon.

Baptist Cancer Center-Union County is celebrating patients all month with decorations, signs, special treats and a photo booth in honor of National Cancer Survivors Month.

Baptist Cancer Center-North Mississippi hosted a butterfly release for cancer survivors and their families on June 11.

NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care celebrated National Cancer Survivors Day with a lunch at Valley View Church of Christ on June 7. Attended by cancer survivors, their families and staff of the NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care, the event, themed “Aloha to Hope,” featured survivorship stories, music and door prizes.