Newsroom

While the skies may have been gray outside, there was no shortage of color inside New York Methodist Hospital's cafeteria as more than 400 cancer survivors, their families and NYM staff members gathered to celebrate and honor the lives of those who are currently living with cancer and those who have defeated it.

Among this year''s attendees were Council Member Mike Nelson and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who shared words of encouragement and gratitude with the crowd. "I applaud and respect every one of you for fighting cancer - you are resilient just like Brooklyn," said the Borough President.

David Dosik, M.D., chairman of the Cancer Committee at NYM, also shared words of encouragement with participants. "I want to offer my congratulations to all of today''s survivors for their successful and ongoing fight against cancer," said Dr. Dosik. "Today is a celebration of life and it is important that we remember to enjoy every moment that we have together," he said. Dr. Dosik went on to thank the entire NYM medical staff for their help in supporting and caring for patients with cancer.

Held in conjunction with National Cancer Survivors Day, the event was a fun-filled celebration fit for the entire family. Banjo player Larry Siegel performed a variety of sing-along songs as he weaved through the colorful tables decked with balloons. Always a crowd favorite, Therese Schorne, a clown, entertained both children and adults with her costumes, puppets and face painting. Guests feasted on a picnic-lovers delight which included hot dogs, fried chicken, pizza, fruit and ice cream - all provided by the Department of Food and Nutrition Services.

Donning event shirts and with balloons and banners in hand, cancer survivors, families and NYM staff members took to the sidewalk as they proudly paraded around the Hospital perimeter to show support and love for those who have battled cancer.