Greenwich Hospital Hosts First In-Person Cancer Survivorship Celebration In 6 Years

GREENWICH, CT — Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich held its first in-person Cancer Survivorship celebration since 2019, welcoming patients, healthcare professionals and community members to recognize and honor the strength of cancer survivors.

The event, themed "Stride into Survivorship," took place on the terrace of Greenwich Hospital, overlooking the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Community Garden. Survivors shared personal stories of resilience, while patients and staff had the chance to reconnect and reflect on their journeys.

The celebration emphasized the growing role of survivorship programs and recent progress in cancer care aimed at improving life after treatment.

"This event signifies our commitment to treating cancer and supporting our patients throughout their survivorship journey," said Dr. William Oh in a news release. Oh is the director of precision medicine, Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital and service line medical director, Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich.

"It is inspiring to witness the strength and courage of our survivors, and we are honored to be part of their stories," Oh said.

Dr. Barbara Ward, chair of surgery at Greenwich Hospital and medical director of the Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich, shared a personal connection, referencing her mother’s experience with breast cancer.

"She did not exactly embrace the term survivor. She wanted to move beyond her diagnosis," Ward said, according to a news release. "It’s not just surviving, it’s learning to grow and thrive."