HERMISTON, Ore.-National Cancer Survivors Day, a celebration of life and a call to action for more research, resources, and awareness to improve the lives of cancer survivors, was June 7.
Held annually on the first Sunday of June since 1988, National Cancer Survivors Day “honors cancer survivors and shows that life after a cancer diagnosis can be beautiful, meaningful, and triumphant,” according to the NCSD Foundation.
One in three people in the United States is expected to receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society, and there are currently 18.6 million Americans living as cancer survivors.
Denise Reynolds, of Hermiston, is one of those survivors.
“I was scared to death,” Reynolds recalled of her initial cancer diagnosis. “I knew I had to get well for my family and for myself, though.”
Diagnosed with breast and blood cancer, Reynolds was treated at Good Shepherd Cancer Center, where she was recently honored for National Cancer Survivors Day.
“The staff at Good Shepherd made me feel so comfortable,” said Reynolds, of her treatment experience. “They were so kind through my chemotherapy and radiation, they made me feel like part of their family.”
Reynolds received chemotherapy at Good Shepherd Cancer Center, where she also had follow-up visits after radiation treatments, and that family-like sentiment is shared by those who cared for her.
“Denise was a survivor from the beginning,” said Susan Stephens, RN, Nurse Manager at Good Shepherd. “No matter what, she always had a smile on her face when she came in. She made us feel privileged to care for her. She’s like family.”
The path of every cancer survivor is unique, but for Reynolds, survivorship means being healthy enough to be there for her family.
“Survivorship means a lot to me,” said Reynolds. “I had a feeling I would beat cancer, but I was scared for the worst. My family depends on me, so I need to be well.”
Good Shepherd Cancer Center offers the latest advancements in Oncology and Hematology care, including the diagnosis and treatment of several forms of cancer.
“The whole treatment experience was very good,” said Reynolds. “I talked to all my friends about the Good Shepherd Cancer Center, and a couple of them are even coming here for treatment now.”
Good Shepherd Cancer Center is located at 620 NW 11th Street, Suite M-102 in Hermiston. Appointments may be requested online, or by calling 541.667.3615.
