Above left: Ralph Kotkov, center, performed with fellow Mount Sinai cancer survivors, from left, Ella Levi, Hyacinth Constance, Maryann DeLeo, and Susan Staal.
About 200 cancer survivors, their families and friends, and Mount Sinai faculty and staff recently a ended the 21st annual luncheon celebrating National Cancer Survivors Day®. At the event, held in the atrium of Mount Sinai Union Square, Shawn S. Smith, who was treated for uterine cancer at Mount Sinai West, gave a talk on her journey as a patient. “I learned to laugh and to help others to laugh, even if only for a moment,” Ms. Smith said. “I learned that it was OK to
be afraid, but not stay in fear—to push past it.” The Mount Sinai Chelsea Cancer Survivors Vocal Ensemble made its debut performance, led by Michael Inge, a singer-songwriter. And additional speakers included Stefan Balan, MD, Assistant Professor, Medicine, and Hematology and Medical Oncology, and the Hematology/Oncology Network Director for Mount Sinai Brooklyn; Karen Devries, Nurse Manager, Mount Sinai Union Square and Mount Sinai West Infusion Suites; and Camry Diaz, Medical Assistant, The Blavatnik Family – Chelsea Medical Center at Mount Sinai.
“This well-anticipated annual event was filled with celebration and joy,” says Melissa Bellino, Vice President, Oncology and Therapeutic Infusion, Mount Sinai Health System. “It allows us to focus on the importance of the community that we have created and demonstrates our commitment to provide the highest quality of cancer care.”