A Beautiful Birthday Celebration

Filled with sad moments, joyful moments and touching moments, the Survivors’ Birthday Celebration evoked all kinds of emotions.

Held to honor those who’ve beat or are battling cancer, the Survivors’ Dinner used to be held during the Phoenixville Relay for Life. Two years ago, it was spun off into a separate event, and this year, the dinner attracted more than 100 people.

“You are the reason the Phoenixville community comes together at the relay event,” said Jamie Gold, the representative for the relay from the American Cancer Society.

From start to finish, the dinner was a joyful event. Before the program began and as survivors and caretakers mingled, clowns made their way through the room, bringing smiles and always staying in character.

This year’s theme, to go along with the American Cancer Society’s campaign, was a birthday party, so the clowns fit in well. Survivors and caretakers enjoyed dinner and then created cupcakes to light while “Happy Birthday” was sung.

Birthday crowns bedecked the tables at Kimberton Fire Company, and they featured colorful and creative designs by a third-grade class and classes of three- and four-year-olds from Stepping Stone Education Center. Balloons and colorful tablecloths completed the theme.

Survivors signed a banner that will be at the Relay for Life as part of the Survivors’ Lap, and attendees could decorate their relay shirts.

While the mood was light, the subject matter made for touching moments throughout the evening. The dinner program focused on the importance of caretakers to cancer patients, and three couples took the stage to share their experiences.

Kevin Grimm told of his support and struggles during his wife Patti’s battle with cancer. When she told him one day she’d like to be a tree, as trees branch out and sway with the breeze, Kevin informed her he’d like to be the dirt—the support structure keeping her grounded.

Everything she needs I try to provide for her so that she can enjoy life,” Kevin said.

Kevin’s talk ended by examining wedding vows in a new way. All caretakers—no matter what their formal relationships are to the patients—puts those vows to the test each day. He had caretakers hold hands with the patients and recite the vows, with slight changes.

Lou Lumi and wife Kathy spoke to the crowd on the importance of a support system. Lou is a throat cancer survivor and he likened his battle to a hockey game, where he was the captain of the team.

“The experience for me has been amazing and life-changing,” Lou said.

Kathy and Tom Mitchell also spoke, and she’s a two-time cancer survivor. She related her experience and was grateful that there was a good outcome—her struggles made her more active in the Relay for Life.

“I look forward to it each year,” Kathy said. “There’s the wonderful love that outpours when you walk around the field. Our community has such an incredible support system.”

Another speaker was Dr. Christopher Holroyde, the medical director at the Cancer Center at Phoenixville Hospital. Holroyde treated a number of the survivors I the audience, and he praised their caregivers for their support.

“Without teamwork we can’t do it,” Holroyde said.

The night was capped off with a silent auction, with the money going to the Phoenixville Relay for Life. The relay will be held at Valley Forge Christian College this year, on May 14-15. For more information, visit the Phoenixville Relay for Life page.