Cancer Survivors Celebrate Another Chance at Life

Friday was a day for celebration for a group of survivors who have overcome various forms of cancer.

They gathered at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, IL, for an event called Life Cancer. The cancer survivors took an emotional walk down a red carpet with family, friends and supporters on each side cheering them on.

Audrey Banks is a breast cancer survivor from Dearborn Heights who celebrated five years of cancer-free life on Friday.

“I’ll be honest the last five year have been tough,” Banks said in a news release. “However, I’ve been working really hard to stay focused on remaining positive through prayer and the support of my family, friends and CTCA.”

Banks also participated in a tree planting ceremony that symbolized the wonder of life and growth. Celebrate Life 2014 marks the 26th year that a tree has been planted in honor of each five-year survivor.

Each survivor was given an engraved gold leaf which is displayed on the ever-growing tree of life within the hospital.

The activities were a way for cancer survivors to come together and celebrate their personal achievements. and to also support one another as they continue their journey as survivors.

“I am continually humbled and amazed at the strength , resilience and fortitude of patients and their caregivers,” said Scott Jones, president and CEO of CTCA at Midwestern. “At Cancer Treatment Centers of America our goal is to surround each patient with a patient empowered care team delivering integrative evidence based care throughout their journey so they can celebrate life everyday.”