Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life
Sunday, 6/7/2009

About Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life is a full day of celebration, education and kinship for the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) cancer community to raise awareness about the battle against cancer. This poignant event also welcomes men and women who receive their care from other hospitals in and around Boston – and beyond.

Since 1993, patients and their family members and close friends, along with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other cancer caregivers at BIDMC have gathered together for a daylong celebration in June. This inspiring event allows people living with cancer an opportunity to share their stories and learn from Harvard Medical School affiliated physicians, other community experts, and of course, each other.

“It’s the pinnacle of the year for those who have been touched by this disease, patients and healthcare professionals alike,” said Hester Hill Schnipper, LICSW, BCD, chief of oncology social work at BIDMC, and a breast cancer survivor. “Celebration of Life ‘puts a face’ on cancer, while providing hope to all that fight it,” Hill Schnipper adds.

Event Programs and Highlights
This year's Celebration will include more than two dozen symposia and workshops led by our very own BIDMC faculty and staff as well as other community experts. The event will feature an extended lunchtime discussion with cancer survivors hosted by WCVB-TV reporter and breast cancer survivor, Kelly Tuthill, lively music, art, and more opporunities for participants to share their personal stories.

Other features include:
a display of art, photography, sculpture and crafts created by cancer patients and members of the cancer community
a book of poems and writings
a silent auction and raffles
opportunities for massage and Reiki treatments
catered breakfast and lunch
entertainment