LANSING, Mich. — Hope, inspiration, and strength were shared by more than 100 people at McLaren Greater Lansing’s fourth annual celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day.
Cancer survivor Mary Ann Schuchaskie came to the event for the first time this year and says the celebration helps others know they are not alone in their fight. “It opens your mind to see the different personalities of people and how they’re coping with cancer,” said Schuchaskie. “I’m amazed at how many people have spoken up about their stories since I’ve told them about mine.”
Cancer survivors had the chance to win prizes, get a massage, take part in a drumming class, meet superheroes, enjoy cake and ice cream, and join in a special bubble-blowing ceremony, among many other activities.
McLaren Greater Lansing’s Tumor Registry Manager Michelle Hulbert organizes the Cancer Survivors Day event every year and is proud of how the celebration continues to grow. “The survivors and their families really love this event,” said Hulbert. “We’re always inspired by their stories, and this is a great way to get people together to have fun and support each other.”
One mainstay of the celebration is the cancer survivors’ tree, which offers people a chance to add a decoration or name to the tree. Hulbert has never gotten rid of a single tag from any of the trees, instead keeping them all in jars she brings to each event. “We want people to know they are never forgotten,” said Hulbert. “It is so important to me that each of those names are saved and honored.”
It takes a caring and dedicated group of staff and volunteers to put this celebration together, hand-mailing well over 1,000 invitations to cancer survivors. Their hard work did not go unnoticed by many of the people they have helped in their fight against cancer.
“I love my doctors and nurses,” said Schuchaskie. “It’s important to be here to support the people who are helping you.”
The Cancer Survivors Day event is held every year in June. If you would like to be added to an invitation list for the event next year, please call Michelle Hulbert at (517) 975-3051 or emailmichelle.hulbert@mclaren.org
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