South Chicagoland cancer survivors parade, celebrate resilience and hope

South Side and south suburban cancer survivors at various stages of their journeys gathered on June 6 to celebrate life, healing and resiliency at Advocate Christ Medical Center’s annual National Survivorship Day event in Oak Lawn.

In all, nearly 150 people attended the event, including survivors, health care providers, family members, friends and other supporters.

The morning program featured breakfast, networking, and guest speakers who discussed how a diet of whole foods, consistent exercise, and ongoing cancer screenings can support longevity after cancer. The gathering concluded with survivors taking a victory lap to symbolize their fight against cancer, cheered on by supporters.

“Survival is not a single moment. It is not a finish line. It is a living, breathing journey,” said Keith Ammons, regional executive director of oncology services, Advocate Health Care, during his welcoming remarks. “You are why we are here.”

More than a celebration

Among the cancer survivors attending the weekend celebration was 59-year-old Chicagoan Betty Torres. She said the day represented more than a public acknowledgment of being cancer-free. The event offered an opportunity to connect with others who understand the balance between gratitude and lasting change that cancer survivorship brings.

“That’s what’s so beautiful about today,” Torres explained. “Here, we don’t have to explain anything. Everybody is here for the same thing. It’s a shared language.”

Life after treatment

When Torres finished breast cancer treatment this past spring, she didn’t return to the life she had before. Like many survivors, the Ashburn resident is learning that cancer’s effects can linger long after treatment ends — a reality many people rarely talk about.

Torres completed chemotherapy, radiation and physical therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer at Advocate Christ in April 2026. Today she is cancer-free.

“In 2025, I lost quite a bit. Cancer took my independence from me,” Torres said, adding that her once active, self-sufficient lifestyle may be forever changed by lingering neuropathy in her hands and feet, and lymphedema.

Embracing a new identity

One of the most visible reminders of her transformation is her short haircut. Torres admitted that losing her long, thick hair to chemotherapy was a struggle. However, today, she is learning to embrace her new look.

“I kind of like it short. I’m learning to enjoy my pixie cut,” she said. “I’ll never be the person I was, but I’m looking forward to the new person I’m becoming.”

Finding purpose in survivorship

A longtime Human Resources employee for the City of Chicago, Torres said working in the office throughout her treatment helped anchor her identity beyond her diagnosis. As a result of her experience — along with the love and support she received from family, caregivers and especially her Boston terrier, Logan — Torres said she wants to do more.

“I would like to help someone else who is going through the same thing advocate for themselves or advocate for them. When I tell you it takes a village [to beat cancer], it’s true,” she said.

The bigger picture

Across the U.S., 18.6 million people were living with a history of cancer as of January 1, 2025, according to the American Cancer Society. The National Cancer Institute notes that survivors can face effects months or even years after treatment, including neuropathy, lymphedema and fatigue.