August 21, 2017 at 3:47 p.m.
Cancer survivors gather for Celebration of Life
Cancer survivors gather for Celebration of Life
By Kayla Thomason-
Kimberly Hetland, director of cancer services at the James Beck Cancer Center, was pleased with the turnout, despite rain earlier in the day.
"We've had other years that it's rained and it does deter people, but some of the people that have been here while it's raining realize what a wonderful event it is and the butterflies don't mind the rain," she said.
The event is important for a wide variety of people, she added.
"It's important for a few reasons, the first is for cancer survivors that we've treated at here at James Beck Cancer Center or survivors within the community can come together and celebrate their lives," she said. "It's also an opportunity for family members who've had their loved ones pass on to come and celebrate their life as well, and in addition it gives the community the chance to see our cancer services"
This year's guest speaker was Mike Regole, a survivor of tonsil cancer.
He was diagnosed in late July 2016 and rang the bell Oct. 17, 2016, signifying the end of his treatment cycle.
Regole went through radiation five days a week and chemotherapy every Wednesday. A PET scan taken in January came back negative.
"James Beck (Cancer Center) was awesome," he said of the warm greetings he received as he arrived for his appointments and the caring nature of the doctors and nurses.
"Anytime I had a question they were there," he said.
During his speech, he discussed some of the hardships his family has overcome together, his cancer being one of them.
"My family brought me through this, friends," he said.
His advice to those currently taking up arms to battle cancer was to keep positive.
"Stay positive, stick with the treatment protocol and keep a positive attitude," Regole encouraged, adding that he was happy to speak at the event. "I think it's an honor to be selected for this, and (I'm) a little shocked at times because I'm not really a public speaker."
The coloring contest winners were announced during the ceremony and a new staff member was introduced to those in attendance.
Harsha Poola, MD, hematology/oncology, radiation oncology, is new to the James Beck Cancer Center family.
He shared with the audience the events that led him to his profession - the loss of his grandfather and aunt to cancer - and the journey that brought him to Rhinelander.
After the speeches were finished and donors recognized came the signature conclusion to the Celebration of Life, the release of 48 butterflies.
The butterflies normally take to the sky near the pond, but with the rain they were released near the wood line, in view of those staying dry under the tent.
Norm Mesen enjoyed his first time at the ceremony.
"It was wonderful, a very nice event," he said.
He is friends with Regole and a 31-year cancer survivor himself.
Mesen really enjoyed the butterfly release.
"Awesome, very awesome, first time I've seen that," he said.
He would like others to know how nice this event is.
"It's very heartwarming, very genuine and an important part of understanding what's going on in the community," he said.
Jessica Pollack, a first-time attendee, was also pleased to attend the ceremony.
"It was a great ceremony," she said, adding that her grandfather has been battling cancer for two years. She was encouraged listening to Regole's speech.
"His speech was very moving just to hear his story and everything he's been through and his great outlook," she said.
Pollack also enjoyed the butterfly release.
"That was really neat to see," she said. "It was really great."
She will come again and hopes others will do so as well.
"It's a great positive event for them just to see the survivors and all the support that's in the community," she said.
The following organizations, groups and individuals were recognized for their donations ranging from money to wigs, gas cards, food cards, chemotherapy chairs, puzzles and more: Rhinelander Country Club, Northwoods Women's Golf League, Northwoods Women's Bowling Association, Ties that Bind Us in Crandon and Tomahawk, The Ladies of the Bluegrass, Richard Hughes, Fantastic Sams, Girls on the Run, St. Mary's Volunteers.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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