South Chicagoland cancer survivors take victory lap for beating cancer

Despite the dark and rainy weather, South Side and south suburban cancer survivors were all smiles June 1 when they kicked-off National Cancer Survivors Month with a cancer survivorship event and indoor parade at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Nearly 90 women and men who are at various stages of beating cancer — including breast, ovarian, colon, head, neck and others — attended the day-long event with their supporters. Over 160 survivors, supporters, medical staff and teammates participated.

“I’m proud of being a survivor. I’ve been through a lot,” said Alsip resident Cheryl Johnson, a 13-year lung cancer survivor who attended with seven friends and family members. “I’m an advocate for myself and I hope I can help people understand the signs and know what to look for [during treatment.]”

Throughout the day, Advocate’s South Chicagoland cancer survivors swapped stories and enjoyed educational programs on mental health and cancer, exercise, diet and nutrition. Vendors offered free gifts and information about supportive services, volunteer opportunities and self-care products for cancer survivors.

Ovarian cancer survivor Michelle Y. Blakely, president of Advocate South Suburban & Advocate Trinity Hospitals, delivered the inspirational keynote address, highlighting how genetic testing helped uncover her nearly invisible illness, her journey back from stage 4B cancer, and what cancer patients and medical providers can learn from her personal battle against cancer.

“There is a connection between prostate cancer and cancer of the reproductive organs,” Blakely explained. “Ask questions. Seek answers. Ask if there is another test available…be an advocate for yourself.”

The inspirational day concluded with a lively, indoor parade of more than 40 cancer survivors to the cheers of their supporters. Blakely led the procession that included Advocate patients with survival anniversaries ranging from months to 36 years.

Colon cancer survivor Sheila Somerville said she attended the survivorship event to celebrate having zero traces of cancer after surgery and chemo. A Chicago resident, Somerville attended with her sister, Joni Rials, an Advocate Trinity Hospital registered nurse,

“We keep watching and we keep living our best life in the meantime,” Somerville said.