Mercy Medical Center cancer survivors celebrate

Mercy Medical Center marked National Cancer Survivors Day with its first annual gathering of former cancer patients and their families, drawing more than 175 attendees to attest to the fact that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive.

The early June outdoor luncheon in the hospital’s Garden of Caring, included a keynote address by former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, a two-time cancer survivor who said that her illness had neither ended her political career, as some observers thought it would, nor interfered with raising her children and enjoying her grandchildren. Other speakers included oncologists Dr. Mohammed Ali of Mercy Medical Center and Drs. Kenneth Ng and Arlyn Apollo, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

The event also celebrated Mercy’s Comprehensive Cancer Program receiving a coveted Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons — one of only six hospitals in New York state, and just two on Long Island, to be so honored.

Observed each year on the first Sunday in June, National Cancer Survivors Day provides an opportunity for the nation’s estimated 12 million cancer survivors to join with family, friends and cancer-care medical professionals in a celebration of life and to educate the public on the issues of cancer survivorship in order to better the quality of life for cancer survivors.

One of the highlights of the event was music provided by several jazz musicians from South Side High School’s Jazz Club. They learned of this volunteer opportunity through the RVC Youth Council and were delighted to perform. Everyone at the luncheon was overwhelmed by their talent and they truly put a festive tone on the day.