Greenwich Hospital Honors Survivors with a “Swinging into Survivorship” Celebration

Thanks to advancements in research and technology, cancer survivorship is on the rise.

By Jacqueline Neber June 10, 2019

Greenwich Hospital honored more than 175 former patients, volunteers, and oncology staff from Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Greenwich Hospital campus to pay tribute to cancer survivors during a “Swinging into Survivorship” celebration on June 6. Several survivors spoke about their experiences, and special guests like Lee Mazzilli, who created a foundation in honor of his brother who died of lung cancer, were in attendance to help everyone celebrate. The celebration was baseball-themed.

Advancements in research and technology have led to an increase in cancer survival rates in recent years–today, an estimated 15.5 million Americans are survivors. Roy Herbst, MD, PhD, and chief of Medical Oncology at Swilow, spoke to the ongoing importance of research. “Research is continuing. Research saves lives. Research makes it possible for people with cancer to suffer less,” he said.

Greenwich Hospital president and chief executive officer Norman Roth spoke to the hospital’s mission to support and honor its patients.

“All of us here today have been touched by cancer in one way or another. But with the support of family, friends and our amazing oncology team, I hope we have provided the support, encouragement and care that you needed,” he said. “Life after cancer is worth celebrating.”

Several survivors spoke, including Carmen Elledias, who lives in Bedford and was diagnosed with colon cancer. Elledias said that there are many physical and psychological challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis–but over time, for her, fear gave way to hope. Today she is “thankful, grateful, and blessed” to be a survivor.

While honoring survivors, the celebration offered attendees information about hospital and community cancer resources like Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling Program, the American Cancer Society, the Good Dog Foundation, CancerCare, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Gilda’s Club, Rye YMCA LiveStrong program, Saxon-Kent, NicholsMD of Greenwich and Alternative Hair Solutions.

Main photo: Cancer survivor Carmen Elledias, right, shared a moment with Lynn Carbino, RN, during the “Swing into Survivorship” celebration last week.