24 Illinoisans To Be Recognized At Cancer Survivorship Event

ZION, IL — Several cancer survivors from across Chicagoland, including McHenry County, will be among over 100 survivors across the country gathering June 7 in Zion for the 31st annual Celebrate Life event, hosted by Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). The group, their family and friends will get together to celebrate reaching five years of survival from the day they were diagnosed with the disease that affects one in three people, as five years is considered the gold-standard of survival for cancer patients, according to CTCA. Of these attendees, 24 live in Illinois, including McHenry County's Kimberly Freund and Sherry Pickrum, CTCA told Patch.

This year's Celebrate Life location is quite meaningful, as CTCA began 1988 in Zion, according to the network, adding that the flagship hospital, CTCA Chicago, was the first location to host Celebrate Life, and has helped set the standard for all celebrations. In an email to Patch, CTCA stated that it's Chicago location, the comprehensive care and research center in Illinois, "became one of the first in the country to offer a full range of treatment services—surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy, nutrition, mind-body medicine and spiritual support—all located under one roof."

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, June 7, the courage and perseverance of these survivors will be recognized, in addition to the widespread nature of this disease and the need for more research into a cure. According to CTCA, the average age of survivors attending the event is 58 years, with 32 being the youngest and 77 the oldest.

“Celebrate Life is one of the most important and revered days of the year for Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). It is a moment in time where we amplify our commitment to our patients, and continue our long-established and joyful tradition of honoring our five-year cancer survivors for their fight, determination and courage,” says Pete Govorchin, President and CEO, CTCA Chicago, in a statement sent to Patch. “This group of men and women came to CTCA looking for powerful and innovative treatment options and found a level of care that embraced their individual and specific needs.”

In the years following the opening of the first comprehensive care and research center in Illinois, four additional hospitals have opened across the country, in Arizona, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, CTCA said, adding that 2019 marks a first in the history of the Celebrate Life event as all five CTCA hospitals will be celebrating during the same week. National Cancer Survivor Day on June 2 kicks off the week-long celebration, during which CTCA will recognize and celebrate with over 1,500 five-year cancer survivors.

Patch reached out to CTCA and asked what many of the survivors believe has been their source of strength and support in getting through their cancer journey. CTCA said each year they reach out to their five-year celebrants in the hopes that they’d be open to sharing their personal stories.

"Each person’s story and path is unique in its own right," CTCA said, in a statement to Patch. "Although personal in nature, much like the stories from past Celebrate Life events, you can however find commonalities pointing towards what brought celebrants strength and support woven into the stories being shared. In 2019, we have had the pleasure to hear from over 80 Celebrate Life celebrants. After reviewing all of the responses, below are the top five areas listed as a source of strength and support:"

1. Faith
2. Care team/team of experts
3. Family/friends/caregivers
4. Hope
5. More to do, more to experience

In a statement to Patch, Leigh Ann Mills, a Thyroid Cancer survivor from Elgin, and a Celebrate Life celebrant, said she is proud of the challenges she's overcome as a five-year survivor.

"Having cancer has made me cherish my family and friends even more and I will continue to live my life not taking anything for granted,” Mills added.

Ted Lizon, of Elk Grove Village, is a Bladder and Prostate Cancer survivor, who in a statement to Patch said, “Although there were hardships throughout my cancer journeys, it’s made me a stronger person and I’m forever grateful to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) Chicago."

Lizon added he's also a caregiver to his "amazing 92-year-old" mother, and feels more alive than ever.

"Survivorship is the new frontier in cancer care, and hospitals, like CTCA, stand poised to help patients achieve a high quality of life post-cancer treatment and celebrate their accomplishments," CTCA said.

For more information, visit cancercenter.com.