Bon Secours is observing National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, June 7 along with our oncology patients, cancer survivors, physicians, nurses, leaders and team members. This day is a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an outreach to the community.
It is estimated that there are more than 16.9 million cancer survivors in U.S. This day is not only for honoring survivors as well as the care teams and loved ones who have supported them along the way. This day is also about bringing light to the ongoing battle individuals diagnosed with cancer will face, and to encourage them to keep fighting.
As a way to celebrate this special day, we asked some of our physicians, nurses, staff and even some patients, in our Richmond and Hampton Roads markets “What Does Cancer Survivors Day Mean to You?”
Here are just a few of the wonderful responses we received.
“It means LIFE, it’s a blessing. Thank God for Bon Secours, never give up!” – Darnell Bright, patient
“Our patients living through and beyond cancer.” – Kathy Brooks, manager, Radiation Oncology DePaul Medical Center
“A beam of light in a dark time of life.” – Amanda Sullivan, physicist, Radiation Oncology DePaul Medical Center
“This is a truth: sometimes I may inspire my patients but more often they inspire me in how they live with cancer! Living with cancer is what we witness and honor and are inspired by on Cancer Survivors Day.” 
– Cathy Lantz, MS, RN, AONS, oncology navigator, Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital
“Cancer Survivors Day means honoring every patient we have met and acknowledging that each cancer journey is different. It means recognizing the heartbreaks and the blessings we have witnessed, and continuing to provide love, support, and guidance to the patients and families we encounter. 
It means celebrating the life and journey that we have been given, showing gratitude, and giving back to others.” – Bon Secours Cancer Institute Staff at St. Mary’s Hospital
Cancer survivor’s Day means a lot to me personally as I have been in the oncology field over 30 years and have met some absolutely phenomenal people who have taught me strength, courage, love, patience, acceptance, and most of all faith. There are patients I will never forget. Anyone in the field has at least a few of them. Two people who exhibited the absolute essence of survivor are my Mom and my cousin. Quiet strength”
– Lisa Tuzzo, Radiation Oncology Manager, Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center
“For me, cancer survivorship means health of myself both during and after treatment, for the rest of my life. I learned that life can change for good or bad in a blink of an eye. But after everything you go through, the way you see the world will never be the same.” 
– Sahara Mohammed, cancer survivor with Dr. McCann of Bon Secours Gynecologic Oncology Specialists
Learn more about the oncology services offered at Bon Secours.
