Day Kimball Survivorship Day

April 21, 2010

On Sunday, April 18, 2010 I made the trip to Day Kimball Healthcare Survivor Day.  To quote Jeff Gordon, MD, "if this event was a golf tournament Mike Daly would have gotten the award for the longest drive!"   I was excited driving out there, but when it was over I knew I had learned something and it was well worth the trip.  

The reception was warm, I had an opportunity to spend a few minutes talking to John Miller, the Chairman of the Board; Robert Smanik, the President & CEO;  Dr. Jeffrey Gordon, Medical Director of Hematology & Oncology and Dr. Neil Kluger, UMass Hematology & Oncology.  I also spent time with pat Hedenberg and others from the medical and development staff. We had an opportunity to discuss the mission of the Connecticut Challenge and their excitement about working with the Connecticut Challenge.  Their excitement about the day's festivities which were made possible by a mini-grant from the Connecticut Challenge was infectious.  Each of these healthcare professionals are dedicated to help make sure that survivorship services and programs are available for each cancer survivor in their community.  During my presentation, I explained a bit about my background, the work of the Connecticut Challenge and how excited I was to be part of their Survivor Day.  I was really thrilled to be a part of that day!

But the real "hole in one" that day was hearing presentations form Heidi Blackmore and Diane Dupre-Lindell about their survivorship in a presentation called "Living Life to the Fullest", which, when you think about it is really what survivorship is all about.  These two survivors shared their journey, the effects it had on them, their caregivers, their families and friends and the lessons they learned.  We heard about luck, opportunity, adventure, perseverance, stamina, humor, struggles as well as the challenges they were presented with, and rose to overcame.  They shared their emotions, fears and beliefs with us.  And most importantly, they explained the way surviving cancer made a difference in the quality of their lives.  Hearing their story helped further define what survivorship is and how no two survivors are the same, but we all have needs that have to met.

After the formal part of the program, the real survivor day began.  There was about 150 people in the room - It was a community.  People who knew each other, knew each others families and the victories they achieved.  I couldn't believe how warmly I was welcomed into their community.  I must have spoken to 75 people and each had a story to share and were willing to listen.  These New Englanders were not the stoic reserved folks we all hear about.  They are a community of people who care for their own and have room in their heart for others.  I was energized, excited and more committed when I left  than I was I arrived.  

I learned a few things about cancer, determination, bravery and caring that day - Most importantly I learned some things about myself.

 
 
Michael J. Daly

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