Held annually on the first Sunday of June, National Cancer Survivors Day is a celebration of survivors of cancer – more than 16.9 million in America – and an occasion to draw attention to the resources and research for improving cancer survivorship. In this year’s observance, we’ve gathered four inspiring stories of cancer survivors treated at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Meet Edward, Maryann, Johan and Jennifer.
Edward, Multiple Myeloma Survivor
One day, Edward woke up unable to get out of bed and with tremendous pain in his back. Thinking his back was sore from playing basketball, he later learned it was because of multiple myeloma. He was successfully treated by Winship’s world-renowned team of multiple myeloma experts, who also organized a 70th birthday party for him. Years later, he’s continuing to do well.
“Dr. Kaufman has got to be the greatest oncologist in the world as far as I’m concerned. And the program they have here is just incredible,” says Edward. “I wouldn’t go to any other hospital.”
Maryann, Leukemia Survivor
Maryann underwent a stem cell transplant at Winship to treat her leukemia, with the help of her sister, who was a perfectly matched donor. Today, she’s grateful for the care she received from her entire team and credits Winship’s clinical research for her survival.
“Because of them doing clinical trials, because of them doing so much research … I don’t know that I would be here today had I not been at Winship from the very get-go,” says Maryann.
Learn More About Maryann’s Story
Johan, Colon Cancer Survivor
For months, Johan dismissed the traces of red in his bowel movements. Then he learned he had a three-inch tumor on his colon. His doctors at Winship recommended he pursue a course of chemo and radiation before considering surgery. It worked. No surgery was needed after the tumor disappeared.
“What’s amazing to me, is even with all the people that come through Winship, the Winship team members know my name. They greet me when I come in. They know me, and it makes you feel at home,” says Johan.
Learn More About Johan’s Story
Jennifer, Head and Neck Cancer Survivor
It took Jennifer 10 years of biopsies and visits with her dentist and ENT specialists before she came to Emory Healthcare and finally received a correct diagnosis of tongue cancer. She is grateful for the compassionate people at Winship who cared for her during and after her treatment. Today, Jennifer thinks of her Winship medical team when she teaches science to her kindergarten classes.
“I know that I would have never made it through that without my team at Emory. I just am so grateful that I landed at Emory,” says Jennifer.
Learn More About Jennifer’s Story
About Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a prestigious distinction given to the top 3% of cancer centers nationwide for conducting cancer research and providing training that is transforming cancer care, prevention, detection and survivorship. Winship discovers, develops, delivers and teaches some of the world’s most effective ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat each patient’s unique cancer. Cancer care at Winship includes specialists with deep expertise and experience in cancer; multidisciplinary evaluation, treatment planning and care coordination that caters to each patient’s individual needs; therapies supported by the latest advances in cancer research; and comprehensive clinical trials and support services.
