Debra Poquette is proud she was able to work every day of her yearlong breast cancer journey – except the days she had chemotherapy treatments.
“I tried to think positively,” said Poquette, sharing her experience with more than 200 cancer survivors and their families and care providers at Lakeland Regional Health Cancer Center’s Hope Blooms event on Sunday, June 7, 2015.
Hope Blooms coincides with National Cancer Survivors Day each year.
The event offers an opportunity to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be exciting, fulfilling and inspiring. It also allows survivors to connect with their care providers and other survivors.
“Those of us here at the Cancer Center are privileged to give you hope,” said Graham F. Greene, MD, FACS, FRCS, Executive Director of Lakeland Regional Health Cancer Center. “Cancer cannot win. It will not win.”
Poquette, who was 45 when her breast cancer was diagnosed three years ago, underwent eight weeks of chemotherapy, six weeks of radiation therapy and a bilateral mastectomy. Poquette recounted her story as one of three motivational speakers at Hope Blooms.
“Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask,” Poquette shared.
Pastoral Services Director Eileen Stone, herself a 10-year breast cancer survivor, offered words of encouragement and blessing. “It’s great to see each other, year after year, to grasp each other’s hands and say, ‘We are still living life.’”
Living life to the fullest is what prostate cancer survivor Mike Sconyiers, 49, wants others to appreciate.
“Boy was I afraid,” Sconyiers said of being diagnosed with cancer. “But I enjoyed coming over to the Cancer Center every day. The cancer is behind me, and I’m looking forward to life now.”
Cancer survivors and their caregivers were honored during the event.
“Those of you who supported, cajoled, cared for and harassed (your loved ones), please stand up,” said Robin Stewart, Clinical Trials Manager for the Cancer Center. “They may not tell you this, but thank you so much.”
A touching dove release among the palm trees and serene and beautiful landscape of the Cancer Center complemented the survivors’ stories.
“The dove is a symbol of hope and life,” said Dr. Greene. “Our passion here is to take care of you and make your journey one filled with hope.”
Hope Blooms guests also learned about the exciting expansion going on at the Cancer Center, where cranes and cement will give way to a greater place of healing, wellness and discovery. The renovations and construction, which earned a design award from The American Institute of Architects Orlando, will include 40 new chemotherapy stations thoughtfully designed to provide patients with comfort, greater access to caregivers and tranquil views of nature. The project, expected to be completed by January 2016, also will furnish the Cancer Center with a beautiful chapel, a 250-seat teaching auditorium and an expanded pharmacy.