Mansfield Hospital Hosts Event To Celebrate Cancer Survivors

A crowd of people clapped and cheered on the more than 100 cancer survivors called to stand at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital's Cancer Survivor Celebration event last week. 

It was the first cancer survivor celebration since the pandemic, reminding patients of their strength and resilience, and encouraging them to move forward. 

“A cancer diagnosis is a life changing event, but life goes on,” said Michael Siedow, MD, speaking to the crowd. “The hair grows back.”

Mansfield Hospital radiation and medical oncologists spent the evening catching up with patients, some of whom became friends along the way. 

One of those patients still fighting her battle is Laura Demarest. 

“I'm very blessed,” said Demarest. 

Her optimism is palpable. While she's battling stage four breast cancer, she continues to see the positive. 

“Even though I’m a stage four, I’ve been a stage four cancer for almost two years,” said Demarest. “I’m still doing well. Still doing the things I love to do in life. Traveling, going places, have hobbies. I’m retired now so, life is sweet.”

Demarest feels her outlook on life may have gotten her to this point today, along with the help of her doctors she speaks so highly of. Instead of seeing the end, she's seeing the future.

“The treatments that are happening, you hear of every week,” said Demarest. “This week, I was listening to the news, and they talked about a vaccine for breast cancer.”

Demarest's outlook is a reflection of the OhioHealth message: Move forward, rebuild, and keep making plans.