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| Celebration of Life Reception for Breast Cancer Survivors |
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Houston Northwest Medical Center
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Linda Tate has circled Tuesday, March 25 on her calendar and started counting down the days until that date. It’s not her birthday or wedding anniversary. It’s not the beginning of a long-awaited vacation or family reunion. March 25 is the eighth annual Celebration of Life reception that is hosted by Houston Northwest Medical Center for breast cancer survivors.
Tate is looking forward to attending the Celebration of Life reception because she is a two-year breast cancer survivor. After losing two sisters to the disease, she considers other women who come to the get-together her extended family. “When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I was having a pity party,” says Tate. “But after being around this group of people, I felt so alive and thankful. The hospital staff is very supportive and really understands where we are coming from.”
Houston Northwest Medical Center started hosting a small, annual reception as a way to have breast cancer survivors and their families meet in a more social setting. Over the years the event has grown from less than 40 people to more than 100. This year the reception is expected to nearly double in size as interest in the event has increased. “Every year the group celebrates their fellowship and survivorship at the Celebration of Life event,” says Tosha Morton, manager of the Breast Center. “Two-week survivors can meet ten-year survivors to see what their future holds and be encouraged that they will have a normal life after treatment.”
People invited to the reception are those who have attended a hospital support group meeting or other event throughout the year. During the reception, breast cancer survivors will be acknowledged and hospital staff will be recognized. Event attendees also will hear a presentation by Mary Crow, MD, hematologist/oncologist on staff at Houston Northwest Medical Center, and testimonial from Grace Givens, breast cancer survivor, actress and singer.
“The response to this event has been overwhelming,” says Morton, who is also a nine-year breast cancer survivor. “People can see that cancer is not an automatic death sentence. They should celebrate every year and see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Tate agrees. “I feel like I am really missing something if I miss this event. The friends I have made through this group are so supportive. I look forward to seeing them at the Celebration of Life reception.” |
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