Nearly 2,000 cancer survivors and their loved ones gathered
together Sunday to celebrate life and freedom from illness against
the dramatic backdrop of the Statue of Liberty.
The Second Annual Celebrating Life and Liberty event brought
together survivors of all types of cancer -- many from North Jersey -
- who have been treated at the John Theurer Cancer Center of
Hackensack University Medical Center.
Under a large white tent at Liberty State Park in Jersey City,
they mingled, danced and shared stories. They also gathered for a
group photo, planted an evergreen tree as a symbol of hope for the
future and participated in interactive workshops, such as Laughter
Yoga, Qigong for Health and Healing, makeup and wig demonstrations,
quilting, decorating radiation masks and beading.
"This is a great way for cancer survivors to celebrate," said Dr.
Andre Goy, deputy director and chief of lymphoma at the center who
was instrumental in organizing the event. "You can feel the energy
here."
That it takes place in viewing distance of Ellis Island and the
Statue of Liberty is intentionally symbolic, he said, to remind
survivors of "strength, hope, victory and moving forward."
At the beading table, Yvonne Caldaruto of Demarest strung
colorful beads onto a wire.
"There are a lot of other people with cancer that are suffering
more than myself," she said, adding that she considers herself lucky
to have children and 15 grandchildren.
Nevertheless, when she gets bad news, it's hard.
"I go to get my blood checked by the doctor every few months.
Unfortunately, not every time is the blood work good," she said, as
her daughter, sitting across from her strung her beads in silence.
"I like to come here and see how many people are surviving with
cancer. It's inspiring."
Bette Feldman of Maywood stood in line to get her picture taken
by the professional photographer and recalled what it felt like when
she first heard the word cancer, three and a half years ago, when
she was diagnosed with uterine cancer.
"It was devastating," she said. "I was so scared. Especially
knowing my sister, who had breast cancer, passed away 13 years ago,
at age 45."
Feldman said she came to the event "to celebrate life with my
friend," as she motioned toward Holly Natirboff of Dumont, who was
waiting in line next to her.
Feldman said she felt fortunate that doctors caught her disease
early and used advanced procedures that didn't even require her to
take medication. "Now I'm able to say I'm a survivor," she said,
turning to Natirboff, and asserting, "And you will too."
Natirboff forced a smile. She was diagnosed a year and a half ago
with Stage 4 breast cancer. "It spread to my liver," she said in a
stage whisper. "But I have an awesome doctor, and I'm doing well,"
she said. "Just seeing people smiling and walking around and living
with cancer is just amazing to me. Every day is a blessing," she
said, "especially when you have good friends to support you." The
two women smiled at each other.
At the laughter yoga class, Nan Day of Wayne grinned, giggled and
guffawed with her friend Michele Cantwell, a cancer survivor from
Wayne as they moved in a circle at the instruction of Francine Shore
who was leading the class.
At first, they moved timidly. By the end, they were laughing
heartily.
"If you do this, you can burn over 400 calories an hour. It's
better than a rowing machine," said Shore.
Afterward, Day said she felt the difference. "Before the class,
my lower back was aching. Now I don't feel it anymore. I just feel
happy. This is a good workout, and it's less punishing than
running."
Cantwell, who was diagnosed two years ago with breast cancer,
said the laughter yoga is a good de-stresser and also provides a
healthier workout than other forms of exercise. "I used to go
running but I can't as a cancer patient," she said.
The event was beneficial because "It gives you a different
perspective on life when people come together," said Day.
Cantwell added, "This is uplifting because it shows I don't have
to be sad about it [cancer]. I'm here with my friends and I can
celebrate. Every day, I have to try to be like that, just happy to
be alive."
E-mail: yellin@northjersey.com
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