BELPRE - More than 60 past and current patients of Strecker Cancer Center attended a picnic in their honor on Saturday.
"We had 62 survivors and their families come and bring their families," said Courtney Beymer, with the Strecker Cancer Center. "We ran out of food twice and had to send more," she added with a laugh.
Wendy Brewer, of Marietta, is a three-year breast cancer survivor who is pregnant with her second child.
Article Photos
Photos by Jolene Craig
Singer Susan Smith of The TuneSmiths performs on Saturday in Belpre’s Civitan Park during the annual Strecker Cancer Center survivors picnic.
"We were unsure if I could have children after the treatment and did what we could and now I'm pregnant," she said. "Having more kids is something I always questioned and seven months ago we got a pleasant surprise."
Beymer, a social worker with the cancer center, said she had hoped to see between 50-75 survivors in attendance at Saturday's event.
"I am very surprised with the turnout," she said. "And pleased, I hope we see more people next year."
Beymer said having 62 cancer survivors in attendance is a record for the event, which has been held every year since 1993.
"This is our largest ever turnout, which is great," she added.
The picnic was sponsored by Marietta Memorial Hospital and Strecker Cancer Center and has been held every autumn to honor those who have fought cancer and won.
"We are celebrating everyone who has fought the battle and won as well as those who continue to fight," Beymer said. "I see patients going through treatment as survivors because every treatment is a battle in itself and they win each one."
Food for the picnic was provided by Subway, The Churn, Kroger and Applebee's in Marietta.
Entertainment included oldies, country and rock from The TuneSmiths with door prizes donated by the community and employees of MMH and Strecker Cancer Center. Potted mum flowers to decorate the event were donated by Bob's Market and Greenhouses and Greenleaf Landscaping.
At the end of the event, survivors released butterflies to signify starting anew.
This year's picnic was held in Belpre to celebrate the new offices of both the center and MMH in Belpre.
