In a heartwarming celebration of strength and survivorship, City of Hope Chicago – a top 5 cancer research and treatment center according to U.S. News & World Report with locations in Downtown Chicago and in Zion, IL – hosted its annual Celebrate Life® event earlier this month.
This gathering united nearly 300 cancer survivors and their caregivers, both in-person and virtually, to celebrate their victories over cancer.
From Librarian to Lifesaver
The room was filled with hope and inspiration at this year’s event, featuring heartfelt survivor stories from the local community, including Sandra, a breast cancer survivor. Once a dedicated librarian and now a survivor, Sandra has a passion for supporting others navigating cancer treatment. She faced cancer without a family support system and navigated her recovery alone. Sandra has become a true local hero – with her own cancer journey fueling a passion for helping others navigate their own cancer treatment. She supports their personal journeys through "Cancer Fighters", where she volunteers in the art therapy program and performs karaoke for patients, with her ultimate goal being that no one has to face cancer alone. Sandra believes, “Cancer is about taking care of the mind and body.”
35 Years of Honoring Survivorship
Now in its 35th year, the Celebrate Life event welcomes a new class of celebrants annually who have all reached a significant survivorship milestone five or more years since beginning their treatment at City of Hope Chicago.
“Celebrate Life embodies the steadfast spirit and determination of our survivors and serves as a poignant reminder of our commitment to our patients, our purpose and the culture of compassion that defines us – at our Chicago cancer center and beyond,” said Pete Govorchin, M.B.A., president, City of Hope Chicago. “Their resilience and courage are a beacon of hope for those grappling with cancer, and it is our greatest honor to be a part of their stories.”
The event, which also takes place at City of Hope’s Atlanta and Phoenix hospitals, creates connection among survivors as part of a nationwide support network and is commemorated by the symbolic gesture of adding each survivor’s name on the City of Hope Survivor Tree.
With Celebrate Life, City of Hope aims to uplift all who have been touched by cancer, underscored by its commitment to providing compassionate care and advancing groundbreaking cancer research.
To learn more about City of Hope, their innovative research and how you can support their mission, please visit CityofHope.org. You can also learn more about Celebrate Life at CityofHope.org/patients/celebrate-life-2024.
City of Hope looks forward to seeing more members of the community recognized at next year’s Celebrate Life event!