Cancer Survivors Celebrate
Celebrating “Every Day” since their cancer diagnosis, more than 200 survivors were invited to mark their five-year milestone since their first treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at the hospital’s annual “Celebrate Life” event held in September.
“This year’s events theme was ‘Every Day,’ a reminder of how thankful our patients are for every single day of survivorship,” said Richard Haldeman, president and chief operating officer of the Tulsa hospital.
“This is a celebration of the special moments, days, events, milestones, and celebrations these cancer survivors have been able to experience and enjoy since being diagnosed with cancer. Whether it’s seeing his or her child get married or becoming a grandparent for the first time, it’s these incredible moments that we want to celebrate.”
Roxie, Stephen and Sean Cargile of Monticello took part in the event. Stephen was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2006, and basically told he would be given chemotherapy until he died. And that would probably be in 18 months or less.
His wife, Roxie, wasn’t happy with that prognosis and was sure there was a better way. Her research took them to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and at the time there were only four campuses. They ended up in Tulsa.
There is now a center in Newnan, GA, just down the road, but the Cargiles are happy in Tulsa. Roxie and Stephen have been making the trip for years. Grown son, Sean, has always wanted to go, but it didn’t work out. This time it did. He was part of the great celebration of life that took place recognizing Stephen, and other survivors who were present for the two-day event. And, no, it wasn’t all fun, Stephen had to undergo tests and see doctors, as he still does frequently.
But, you’d never know it. Roxie has always said she and other care givers that she meets along the way say it’s like going to a spa. There are nice, clean, spacious rooms on site where they stay, and the center features a top-notch cafeteria complete with loads of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other healthy eats for people who are facing perhaps the biggest challenges of their lives. There’s a gym, as you would expect at a spa, and there’s a shuttle to take you wherever you need to go when you fly in don’t have your own vehicle.
And, then, there is the medical side/ Stephen sees numerous doctors on any given visit. When he was first diagnosed, there was the oncologist, to be expected anywhere, but also there’s the nutritionist, the psychologist, the naturepath, and whoever else a patient may need to see. And the doctors all work together while the center coordinates the visit, so the patient is treated body, mind, and soul… all in the space of less than a week in the initial visit… less time than that in subsequent visits.
The Cargiles are sold on the approach, and were proud to be among those celebrating cancer survival all these years after Stephen was diagnosed. And even though he is more than a five-year survivor, it was the first year the Cargiles were able to attend this annual celebration.
The regional event began with a ceremony attended by more than 50 celebrants who traveled to Tulsa for the event, their family, friends, CTCA staff and member of the public. The ceremony coincided with “Hope Rounds” to visit patients currently being treated at the hospital. The names of the celebrants were added to brass leaves on the “Survivor Tree” in the hospital’s lobby. During the special time known as “Hope Rounds,” celebrants received commemorative lapel pins – one for themselves and one to share in an encouraging way as a symbolic transfer of hope to patients currently undergoing treatment inside the hospital.
Following “Hope Rounds,” survivors and their families visited booths at the “Camp Thrive,” Survivorship Fair. “Camp Thrive was comprised of booths which featured representatives from CTCA’s integrative services (ex. nutrition, naturopathic and mind-body medicine, etc.). Survivors visited the booths and learned more about how CTCA helps cancer survivors thrive after treatment.
