Indy, a therapy dog, makes a special guest appearance at Day Kimball Hospital's annual Cancer Survivors Day, held Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Grill 37 in Pomfret, CT.
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More than 150 people, including more than 70 cancer survivors, attended Day Kimball Healthcare’s annual Cancer Survivors Day on Saturday, September 16 at Grill 37 in Pomfret. The celebration featured a “Late Summer Luau” theme, which provided a festive atmosphere where those who are currently fighting cancer and those who are survivors, along with their families, celebrated the power of hope and support in healing.

In addition to a brunch buffet, attendees enjoyed a special visit from Indie, a pet therapy dog who regularly visits Day Kimball Hospital’s Rose Bove LaRose Cancer Center, and musical entertainment by "DJ Dr. Johnson" – Dr. Vanessa Johnson, oncologist with Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology Associates and a member of Day Kimball Hospital’s medical staff.

Three guest speakers who have received treatment at the Cancer Center also addressed the crowd and shared their stories: Douglas Young of Woodstock, who survived stage 4 bone marrow cancer; Elizabeth Aucoin of Putnam who has been in remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma for two months; and Kathy Fontaine of Killingly, who has been fighting esophageal cancer for the last 12 years.

The event was offered free of charge to participants, thanks to donations to the hospital’s oncology unit as well as donations and volunteer support from local businesses and individuals, including: Grill 37, Woodstock Farms, New England Awards and Trophies, Garden Gate Florist, Arlene Baril, Heidi Hare and the staff of Day Kimball Hospital’s Oncology/Hematology Department.

Douglas Young of Woodstock shares his story of surviving stage 4 bone marrow cancer.

Elizabeth Aucoin of Putnam, who has been in remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma for two months, shares her story of survival.

Kathy Fontaine of Killingly, who has been fighting esophageal cancer for the last 12 years, shares her story and talks about what it means to be a survivor.

DKH President and CEO Anne Diamond addresses the staff of Day Kimball Hospital’s Rose Bove LaRose Cancer Center.