Good Samaritan Hospital Honors Cancer Survivors

John Mitty Thursday, November 1, 2012

West Islip, NY - On Sunday, October 28, more than 650 cancer survivors and family members were honored for their strength and courage at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center’s 8th annual Cancer Survivors’ Day held at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. Attendees shared stories of survival. Among those stories is 81-year old, 13-year pancreatic cancer survivor, Robert Hanna. 

Like many patients diagnosed with cancer, Mr. Hanna had no idea that his significant weight loss was the result of pancreatic cancer. It was not until he saw a gastroenterologist, a specialist trained to treat digestive issues, that he was correctly diagnosed, and referred to Good Samaritan’s Chairman of Surgery John Francfort, MD.

"Each diagnoses of cancer is uncertain in its outcome, and within that uncertainty we find real hope. Even though I have not seen Robert for several years, I was very pleased to hear the wonderful news of his long survival since surgery. Outcomes like his make being a surgeon that much more rewarding,” said Dr. Francfort.

“Cancer Survivors’ Day is a great opportunity to bring together a group of people whose lives have been touched by cancer and to affirm the possibility of a quality life after a diagnosis of cancer,” said Chair of Good Samaritan’s Cancer Care Committee and Chief of Hematology/Oncology Kenneth Gold, MD.  “Our expanding community of cancer survivors stands as a shining testament to the advances in cancer treatment at Good Sam. The individuals honored inspire our entire health care team with their bravery and remarkable optimism.”

Good Samaritan is a leading resource for cancer patients and their families, offering some of the most advanced medical technology and professional resources available today. Good Samaritan uses a multidisciplinary team approach, focusing entirely on the patient’s health. This provides the most effective tools to fight cancer—whether it is determining risk factors, prevention education, early detection, cancer therapy or support resources. 

For more information about Good Samaritan’s cancer services, call (631) 376-4444.

Pictured (L-R): Good Samaritan’s Chair of Pathology William Engellener, MD, Sr. M. Jean Agnes Geraghty, OP, Marion Grodin, keynote speaker, Good Samaritan’s Director of Public and External Affairs Theresa Jacobellis, Director of Cancer Registry Services MaryEllen Weber and Chair of Hematology/Oncology Kenneth Gold, MD.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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