The annual event celebrated the life and survivorship of nearly 200 City of Hope Atlanta patients

City of Hope^®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and ranked among the nation’s top 5 cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report, honored the growing community of cancer survivors treated at City of Hope Atlanta and their inspiring journeys to recovery at the annual Celebrate Life^® event.

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The 2024 Celebrate Life class of celebrants (Photo: City of Hope)

For more than three decades, Celebrate Life has brought cancer survivors together as a way of honoring the strength, determination and resilience of those who entrust City of Hope with their care and to foster connections among this inspiring community.

This year's event united nearly 200 cancer survivors in person, and hundreds more virtually, each celebrating five or more years since their treatment journey began at City of Hope Atlanta, alongside their devoted caregivers. This significant milestone was honored by adding their names to City of Hope’s Survivor Tree — a symbol of strength and inspiration.

“Celebrate Life shines a light on the incredible journeys of our tenacious cancer survivors,” said Jonathan Watkins, president, City of Hope Atlanta. “It is our privilege to honor them today, allowing them to reconnect with the dedicated team of City of Hope Atlanta doctors, nurses and staff who stood by their side on their individual paths to recovery — reinforcing the bonds of community and the enduring hope that fuels our mission to conquer cancer.”

"My experience with cancer taught me the vital importance of staying positive, seeking knowledge and leaning on the strength of those around us,” said Monica Kaufman Pearson, breast and liver cancer survivor, Emmy award-winning Atlanta journalist and keynote speaker at the event. “It is an honor to take part in City of Hope’s Celebrate Life event, which serves as an important tribute to our shared strength and the hope that illuminates our journey forward as survivors. It embodies our unity and the remarkable paths we have all taken, inspiring and uplifting one another, and affirming that none of us walks this path alone."

For more information about Celebrate Life, visit: https://www.cityofhope.org/patients/celebrate-life-2024.

About City of Hope

City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope™. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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