NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Celebrates Resilience at Its Annual Celebration of Life for Cancer Survivors

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Celebrates Resilience at Its Annual Celebration of Life for Cancer Survivors

A heartfelt gathering of 70 cancer survivors honoring the journey of survivorship and community support

The Queens Cancer Center is recognized for its commitment to excellence, having opened over 125 research protocols and provided clinical trial opportunities to more than 1,500 patients

Sep 21, 2026

Queens, NY - NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens recently held its annual Celebration of Life event, a poignant occasion that brought together approximately 70cancer survivors, their families, staff, and community members in a shared celebration of resilience and hope. The event, which took place on September 18, served as a platform for survivors to share their powerful testimonies, reflecting on their journeys through cancer treatment and the unwavering support they received from healthcare providers and loved ones.

During the event, several patients spoke movingly about their experiences, expressing deep gratitude to the dedicated clinical team who stood by them from day one. One survivor shared, "Thank you to the incredible staff who have been with me every step of the way. Your support has been my anchor, and I am committed to living my life to the fullest as I continue to navigate this journey."

Dr. Ellen Hagopian, Director of the Queens Cancer Center, remarked, "This event is a testament to the strength of our community. It's not just about individual victories; it's about the collective effort of patients, families, and healthcare providers standing together against cancer. We are honored to support our patients in their journeys and celebrate their resilience."

A member of the Queens Cancer Center team presents a gift to a cancer survivor during Queens Hospital's Celebration of Life event. All cancer survivors in attendance were honored with gifts, and HealthFirst generously sponsored the event, providing free massages to all attendees.

The event was supported by MetroPlusHealth, the American Cancer Society, and Health First, which also provided free massages to all cancer survivors who attended the event. A cancer survivor delivered an inspirational keynote address, sharing her journey from her home country to the United States and to Queens, highlighting the incredible support she received from the staff throughout her experience.

The Queens Cancer Center, which opened in 2002, has served as a beacon of hope for the community for 24 years, particularly in an area with high cancer rates where access to care can be a significant challenge. Its commitment to providing equitable care is evident in its proactive initiatives aimed at reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses. Through community outreach and education, The Queens Cancer Center strives to ensure that individuals receive timely screenings and treatment, giving them a fighting chance against cancer.

In addition to the Celebration of Life, the hospital actively engages in various community outreach activities. Its nursing team participates in local health fairs during the weekends, offering educational resources on cancer prevention and healthy living. These initiatives empower community members to make informed health choices and connect them to essential health services and programs. Its partnership with MetroPlusHealth allows it to assist individuals in applying for health insurance, ensuring access to vital cancer care and screening.

Two patients savor dessert together during the Annual Celebration of Life event at the Queens Cancer Center, enjoying a moment of joy and camaraderie as they celebrate their journeys of resilience and hope.

"The introduction of cutting-edge technology at our facility, such as the Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator and advanced radiation therapy techniques, enhances our ability to provide world-class cancer care right here in our community," stated Neil J. Moore, MBA, MPA, FACHE, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. "We are committed to addressing disparities in healthcare access and are proud of the strides we have made in reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses. The Celebration of Life event is a testament to our dedication to supporting our patients and celebrating their journeys."

The Queens Cancer Center is recognized for its commitment to excellence, having opened over 125 research protocols and provided clinical trial opportunities to more than 1,500 patients. Its state-of-the-art facility offers a comprehensive range of services, including robotic surgeries, advanced radiation therapies, and tailored survivorship programs designed to meet the unique needs of its diverse population.

A cancer survivor (left) shares a moment with a dedicated member of the clinical team at the Queens Cancer Center. This heartfelt connection exemplifies the strong bonds formed between staff and survivors, highlighting the unwavering support and commitment of the team in guiding patients through their journeys of resilience and recovery.

The hospital invites the community to join in celebrating the achievements of cancer survivors and to learn more about the resources available at the Queens Cancer Center. For more information, please visit NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens.

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Media Contact: Cleon Edwards, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, (646) 772-5725, [email protected]

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About NYC Health + Hospitals/QueensA member of NYC Health and Hospitals, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens is a major health care provider in the borough of Queens. Its foremost mission is to provide quality, comprehensive care to all members of the public regardless of their ability to pay. In 2025, Queens Hospital marked its 90th anniversary of serving the communities of central and southeastern Queens, having first opened its doors as Queens General Hospital in 1935. Encompassing 360,000 square feet, it comprises 253 licensed beds, spacious ambulatory care suites featuring both primary and specialty services, and cutting-edge equipment. It also houses four Centers of Excellence: Cancer Care, Diabetes Management, Women's Health, and Behavioral Health. The hospital has recently added a fully expanded Emergency Room, a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence accredited by the American College of Radiology, and a Total Hip and Knee Replacement Center, with plans underway to build the health system's first Dialysis Center to train patients to perform their own at-home dialysis. To learn more about NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, visit https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/queens.

About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city's five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system's trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealth-all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.