Pictured at DCMH’s Cancer Survivors Day event are (front row, left to right): Rev. George Hewitt, director of Pastoral Services at DCMH; Marie DeStefano, administrative director of Oncology for Crozer-Keystone Health System; Rachelle Lanciano, M.D., chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at DCMH; John Sprandio, M.D., medical director of the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center and chief of the Section of Hematology/Oncology at DCMH; Tabitha Scarpanda, representative of Archbishop Prendergast High School, recipient of the Celebrate Life: Community Recognition Award; Sheila Ward, moderator of Prendie Community Service Corps; Chris Rich; Pete Balzano, Prendie assistant vice principal of Student Affairs; and Stephen Shore, M.D., DCMH hematologist/oncologist. Second row, left to right: William McCune, president of DCMH; Chuck Jeffers, recipient of the Celebrate Life: Survivor Recognition Award; David Schwartz, cancer survivor; and Stephen Brown, cancer survivor.

Drexel Hill, Pa. – On May 29, Delaware County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) hosted its annual Cancer Survivors Day Celebration. The program featured inspiring remarks by DCMH patients and physicians, and local comedienne Chris Rich entertained the nearly 200 people in attendance. At the conclusion of the event, a light was passed in remembrance of those who have lost their battle with cancer. 

At the event, DCMH gave Chuck Jeffers of Lansdowne its Celebrate Life: Survivor Recognition Award, and Archbishop Prendergast High School was presented the Celebrate Life: Community Recognition Award. Jeffers was recognized for his fund-raising activities for the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center at DCMH. He has an event scheduled for September 2008. Prendie was given its award in recognition of their loyal support of the Eagle National Bank 5K Walk/Run to Fight Cancer, an annual event that benefits the Cancer Center. Every year, hundreds of Prendie students show their support, raise money and walk the race course in the battle against this devastating disease. Students also have donated monies raised through various school-based fund-raisers to the Cancer Center.

National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual, nationwide celebration of life held in more than 650 communities throughout North America. Participants from coast to coast unite in this symbolic event to honor the 10 million Americans who are surviving a cancer diagnosis and who demonstrate that cancer survivors are active and productive members of society.

Delaware County Memorial Hospital is part of the Fox Chase Crozer-Keystone Cancer Partnership, a clinical and research partnership between Crozer-Keystone and Fox Chase Cancer Center, a nationally acclaimed institution devoted solely to cancer care. For more information about the partnership or the cancer services offered at four Crozer-Keystone hospitals, visit http://ckcancer.crozer.org. For referral to a cancer specialist, call 1-866-695-HOPE (1-866-695-4673).