A Look Back at Cancer Survivors' Day at Landmark

2009-06-08

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More than 300 people turned out for Landmark Medical Center’s fourth-annual Cancer Survivors’ Day, which was held on Sunday, June 7, 2009 outside the Outpatient Cancer Center on Landmark’s Woonsocket campus, 115 Cass Avenue. The event marked the nationwide recognition of National Cancer Survivors’ Day, which is celebrated by more than 12 million cancer survivors across the country and worldwide.

This year, there was a carnival theme with a barbecue cookout, DJ entertainment, a visit by the Shriners clowns, games and giveaways.

“Our event is a celebration of life,” said Phyllis Kelliher, nurse manager for the Northern Rhode Island Hematology/Oncology Program. “We’re celebrating the strength and courage of all cancer survivors who demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality, as well as recognizing the contributions that their families, friends, and caregivers have had in their lives.”

“With all the advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, many more people are living active, productive lives long after a cancer diagnosis,” she continued. “Seeing these people and hearing their success stories gives hope and inspiration to others facing the same challenges.”

After the facing the challenge of being diagnosed with colon cancer, Cammie Howell- Almeida, 32, of Cumberland, now a survivor, came to the event to share her heart-warming story with the crowd. She had been married just two days earlier to Marco Almeida on June 5 -- with her doctors and nurses proudly in attendance. Also, sharing their story were sisters Eva Branchaud, of Forestdale, and Marie Corriveau, of Woonsocket, both colon cancer survivors. They spoke about their positive experiences while undergoing treatment at Landmark and reminded everyone that top-quality care is available without having to travel outside the community.

Landmark first joined in the worldwide celebration of National Cancer Survivors’ Day in 2006. The local event is organized through the office of Ahmed Nadeem, M.D., who heads the Northern Rhode Island Hematology/Oncology Program, located at Landmark Medical Center. Also sponsoring the event is the Southern New England Regional Cancer Center, which runs the radiation therapy program at Landmark.