Surviving cancer once is a huge accomplishment, but being diagnosed with three different cancers and surviving through it all is nothing short of a miracle.
Bridget Leggio, along with cancer survivor Yee Chin, was awarded the Survivor of the Year Award at the National Cancer Survivors Day ceremony, hosted by Maimonides Medical Center on Tuesday, June 28 at the Dyker Beach Golf Course.
“Being a fighter is tough. We go through a lot as cancer patients. The endless amount of support from other survivors and patients helps a lot,” said Leggio.
Leggio, who battled lung cancer and two different types of breast cancer, was humbled to be receiving the award from the doctors at Maimonides Medical Center.
“This award is not just for me, but for all the survivors and even those who may have fought cancer, but lost the battle,” said Leggio.
The ceremony marked National Cancer Survivor Day, which honors those who have won the fight against cancer. The celebration was Mardi Gras-themed, with music, endless amount of food, dancing and activities for the children, like face painting and a photo booth.
Doctor Kevin Baker, interim director of hematology and oncology at Maimonides Medical Center, was proud to be a part of the celebration and present the award to Chin, his former patient.
“That’s why we do what we do, to celebrate their life and the obstacles they have overcome,” said Baker.
Chin, who is now in remission after battling two different types of cancer, is grateful for the support she has received from her family, friends and doctors at Maimonides.
“I was encouraged to go on and fight, and I couldn’t have done it without my husband or the doctors at Maimonides Medical Center,” said Chin.
Doctor Patrick Borgen, head chair of the Department of Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center, addressed the survivors by saying that this was a celebration of their victory over beating cancer. Borgen went on to say that the center will continue to help other patients in their fight to beat cancer.
“Together, we’re going to kick cancer’s ass!” said Borgen.
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May her memory be a blessing