The John Theurer Cancer Center Hosts Second Annual Celebrating Life and Liberty Cancer Survivor Event

HACKENSACK, N.J., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center announced that thousands of cancer survivors and caregivers will celebrate life, liberty and new beginnings with the ultimate symbol of freedom close by – the Statue of Liberty. This special event will take place on Sunday, September 26 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Liberty State Park, NJ.

"The John Theurer Cancer Center provides extraordinary care beyond the medical center's walls. This event is an extension of the compassionate care and concern for the well-being of our patients and their families," said Robert C. Garrett of Morris Township, president and chief executive officer of Hackensack University Medical Center.

The Second Annual Celebrating Life and Liberty cancer survivor event serves as an important reminder that just like the 12 million immigrants greeted by the Statue of Liberty and the promise of a new life, today nearly 12 million Americans have survived a very different, but equally long and difficult journey -- cancer.

"Celebrating Life and Liberty is an opportunity for thousands of our cancer survivors to support and inspire one another," said Andre Goy, M.D., M.S. deputy director and chief of lymphoma of the John Theurer Cancer Center. "Survivorship is one of the core values of our program. Life after cancer comes with both rejuvenation and a new set of challenges. This event allows patients to come together as they celebrate freedom from cancer."

Celebrating Life and Liberty is a free event open to any cancer patient or cancer survivor that has been treated at the John Theurer Cancer Center. This year, guest of honor Helena Theurer, wife of the late John Theurer, will kick-off the day addressing cancer survivors with words of inspiration.  

"So many people are touched by cancer," said Mrs. Theurer. "I am proud to be a part of the effort to build the finest Cancer Center in the country. Last year more than 1,000 people joined us for this extraordinary event that commemorated the challenging journey these patients have overcome. We are thrilled to build upon the success of last year by inviting more cancer survivors for an even greater celebration."

Following the opening ceremony, attendees are invited to participate in a wide-range of interactive workshops, such as Laughter Yoga, Staying Fit, Qigong for Health & Healing, make-up and wig demos, quilting, chair massages, inspirational jewelry making, mask collaging, and more. Singing and dancing to live music by The Infernos will accompany these activities. And in the true spirit of life and liberty, inspirational performances by John Theurer Cancer Center survivors will instill strength in others.

Celebrating Life and Liberty was conceived by Dr. Goy and Sharon Lee Parker, cancer survivor and cancer coach at the John Theurer Cancer Center. Since 2002, Dr. Goy and Mrs. Parker have been developing programs to help cancer patients get through the treatment process and rebuild their lives under the leadership of Andrew Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., chairman and executive administrative director of the John Theurer Cancer Center.

"Exceptional patient care is a critical part of our mission to provide beyond extraordinary care," said Dr. Pecora. "Providing our patients with emotional support through cancer survivor events like this is just one example of how we extend our care outside the treatment room."

Registration is required to attend this event. For more information and to register online please visit humcfoundation.com. Attendees can also register by emailing [email protected] or calling 201-996-3252. Live updates of the event will be available by following JTCancerCenter on Facebook and Twitter. Attendees are invited to use #JTCCLiberty to spread the word about this celebration.  

Celebrating Life and Liberty is sponsored by the John Theurer Cancer Center and Hackensack University Medical Center. Additional sponsors and contributors for the event include Armellino Family Foundation, Compass-USA Foods, Edward J. Ludwig, Genentech, Heights Florist, Helena Theurer, Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., Jack Schecter, Lydia T. Pfund, McElroy, Deutsch & Mulvaney & Carpenter, Nicoletti Disposal, Inc., Northern New Jersey Cancer Associates, Pathology Department at Hackensack University Medical Center, Dr. Peter Gross, and Sanzari Companies. In addition, John Theurer Cancer Center hats are a special project sponsored by the Lifelover Foundation, Boehm Porcelain, Sharon Lee Parker, Newman's Own Foundation, Ro Sorce, Maddy Zozarro, and Andy Antoneau.

About the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center

The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, and preventive care as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancer. The 15 specialized divisions covering the complete spectrum of cancer care have developed a close-knit team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to the John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. Housed within a 775-bed not-for-profit teaching, tertiary care, and research hospital, the John Theurer Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art technological advances, compassionate care, research innovations, medical expertise, and a full range of after care services that distinguish the John Theurer Cancer Center from other facilities. For more information please go to humccancer.org.

SOURCE The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center