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Celebration Honors Our Patients' Journeys
Hearing you have the "C" word can change your life in myriad ways, but there is one common denominator to a cancer diagnosis, according to Jonathan Lopez, M.D., NorthBay Cancer Center hematologist/oncologist.

"You are also an instant survivor, because the moment after you are diagnosed that is what you are: a survivor."

Dr. Lopez was one of three speakers to share words of hope, inspiration and admiration with more than 310 cancer survivors during the 19th annual Cancer Survivor's day event on Sunday, June 7. The "Celebration of Life," held at The Clubhouse at Rancho Solano, was hosted by NorthBay Cancer Center.

Cancer survivors visited the Pink Heals fire truck, mingled with fellow survivors and their loved ones, had their photos taken by a professional photographer, and enjoyed a buffet luncheon. They then settled in to hear an update on the latest in cancer treatments from Dr. Lopez, and inspirational speeches from survivors.

"Cancer survivors are like warriors, and these days there are more and more of you," Dr. Lopez noted.

"In 1971, there were 3 million cancer survivors, and by 2001 the number had grown to almost 10 million. By 2025, we'll be close to a 90 percent survival rate." Just this year alone, there have been 14 new cancer drugs approved, he added.

Orlando Torres, a testicular cancer survivor, was this year's keynote speaker. The 20-year-old cinematography student knew for certain he had the disease, even before he was officially diagnosed with it in March 2014. "At first, it was hard to take in. What did I do to cause this? Then, have I used my time wisely? But I decided to keep a smile on my face, be strong for my family, and to treat it like it was just a broken bone."

Orlando used his cinematography experience to document his cancer journey. He invited as many as 30 friends and family members to help shave his head before he started chemotherapy, and videotaped the party, which he shared with the audience.

He also shared something he keeps close to his heart: a key on a necklace. "It reminds me that I'm holding the key to my success, my happiness. Each one of you has your own key," he noted.

Wendy Wasserman Kellogg, in the "Speaking from the Heart" segment, recalled her "Oh-my-God moment" when she found a lump in her breast in April 2014. After being diagnosed with cancer just weeks later, on her 60th birthday, she decided to not panic and to take charge of the situation. "I will not be another cancer statistic," she said. She changed her diet, lost weight, vowed to stay positive and surrounded herself with supportive friends and family. And, at the encouragement of her daughter, she entered a mother-daughter pageant. She celebrated that victory - being named Mrs. California 2015 - right around the time she was found to be in remission.

Putting them in the Pink
After hearing that the Pink Heals fire truck was recently burglarized, help to reimburse lost funds came quickly at the Survivors Day event. Young Cody Bassey, a huge fan of the Vacaville Fire Department, passed a boot and collected $204 while NorthBay Health donated $500. See slideshow for images.