Survivors Day Celebrates Hope at Gibson Cancer Center
By Heather Walters
Survivors Day Camp Hope Counselors, from left, were Oncology Research Nurse Sharon Smith, Oncology Business Analyst Hayley Walters, Oncology Social Worker Ivanalyn Ruizandaluz, Navigation Coach Jennifer Prevatte, Oncology Social Worker Codi Pait and Staff RN Angie Hill. They guided campers through educational exhibits, wellness resources, interactive activities, and opportunities to connect with others who understand the cancer journey.
Gibson Cancer Center welcomed cancer survivors, patients, families, caregivers, teammates, and community members on June 5 for Survivors Day, an annual celebration honoring those whose lives have been touched by cancer.
Funded by UNC Health Southeastern Foundation, this year's theme, Camp Hope, brought together survivors, families, and supporters for a day of learning, laughter, fellowship, and reflection. Guests enjoyed educational exhibits, wellness resources, entertainment, food, interactive activities, and opportunities to connect with others who understand the cancer journey.
Guests also had the opportunity to view the first “Path to Hope” bricks that have been installed outside Gibson Cancer Center and a rendering of the future “Tree of Hope,” both part of the “Hope Starts Here” campaign supporting cancer care in our region.
"Survivors Day is always one of the most special days of the year at Gibson Cancer Center because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate our survivors and the families, friends, and caregivers who have been part of their journey," said Sissy Grantham, executive director of UNC Health Southeastern Foundation. "The Camp Hope theme created a fun atmosphere while reminding everyone that no one faces cancer alone. It was exciting to see so many people gathered together and to share the progress being made through ‘Hope Starts Here.’"
Gibson Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care close to home for patients throughout southeastern North Carolina. Last year, the center recorded more than 125,000 patient encounters and continues to offer treatment, support services, survivorship programs, and resources for patients and families.
"We are incredibly proud of our Gibson Cancer Center team for the outstanding job they did bringing Camp Hope to life," said Steve Elgin, administrative director of Gibson Cancer Center. "Survivors Day takes months of planning, and our teammates created an experience that truly honored the people we serve. It was a great day for survivors, families, and our community, and I am thankful for the dedication our team brings to this event and to patient care throughout the year."
To learn more about “Hope Starts Here,” purchase a commemorative brick, or explore “Tree of Hope” recognition opportunities, visit www.unchealthsoutheastern.org/foundation or call 910-671-5583. To learn more about cancer care provided through UNC Health Southeastern and Gibson Cancer Center, visit https://www.unchealthsoutheastern.org/care-treatment/cancer/
Heather Walters is the manager of Donor Experience & Engagement for the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation.
