Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital recognizes cancer survivors during annual National Cancer Survivors Day luncheon & balloon release

HOUSTON, Aug. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital recently celebrated National Cancer Survivors Day with a luncheon and balloon release in the Swadesh Khurana Healing Garden in the North Pavilion of the hospital. Hospital staff, physicians and cancer survivors gathered on June 12 to celebrate cancer survivors and encourage friends, families, and loved ones of those who are still facing the challenges that come with living with cancer.

The event included opening remarks by Angie Tippit, director, Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Willowbrook; a prayer and reflection from Rev. Darrell Jackson, director of spiritual care & values integration, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital; words of encouragement from Kathleen Shadle, MD, medical director of radiation oncology at Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Willowbrook; and a musical concert by Dehner Franks, Sr., pianist and songwriter.

"At Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, we are able to support cancer survivors on their journey through treatment and advancements in cancer services. We have support groups and cancer navigators to help you along your journey," said Tippit.

"Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital continues to grow, adding more patient beds, and we've added access to clinical trials for cancer patients in Northwest Houston. In the radiation therapy department, we've added brachytherapy which allows us to provide treatment to patients here so they can stay close to home," said Shadle. "We're thankful for all of you who have chosen to have your cancer treatment at Houston Methodist Willowbrook. We're here to support you, to celebrate your survival and encourage you in your future."

Following the musical concert, guests gathered in front of the hospital for inspirational words from Jackson. The theme of this year's celebration and luncheon was Letting Hope Soar which was exhibited at the end of the event when luncheon guests released dozens of multi-colored balloons into the sky.

About the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Willowbrook
The Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Willowbrook is staffed with specialists who collaborate to offer our patients the least invasive, most technologically advanced treatment options available.

Combining the latest treatments with a patient-centered approach gives patients and their families the best possible cancer care in Houston's Northwest community.

About Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a not-for-profit, faith-based hospital, which is part of Houston Methodist. The hospital has expanded in Northwest Houston to serve the comprehensive health care needs of the growing community.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program^®.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook is ranked No. 4 in the Houston metro area and No. 8 in Texas by U.S. News & World Report as a "Best Hospital" in 2015. 

For the 10th year in a row, Houston Methodist has been named to FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list, and is one of only four Houston companies ranked.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has received its chest pain and stroke accreditations, performs complex surgeries such as neurosurgery and open heart, and focuses on women and children in the Women's & Children's Pavilion. For more information on the comprehensive services available on the Houston Methodist Willowbrook campus and to learn about upcoming events, please visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook.  To find a physician, call 281.737.2500.

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/259728-APPROVED-Cancer-Survivors-Day-Luncheon.mp4
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150819/259706

SOURCE Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

Related Links

http://houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook