Nell Scott Joins More than 100 Other Cancer Survivors for a Commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony to Celebrate Life

Nell Scott, a breast cancer survivor from Milwaukee, WI, joined more than 100 other five-year cancer survivors for an emotional and momentous tree planting ceremony at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) on June 7. The annual Celebrate Life® event is an inspirational and extraordinary celebration of cancer survivorship. Scott and survivors representing 44 states gathered for the memorable event to celebrate the milestone and to support one another as they continue their cancer survivorship journey.

The annual commemorative tree planting ceremony symbolizes the wonder of life and growth.  The 2013 Celebrate Life event marks the 25th year that a tree has been planted in honor of each five-year survivor, providing the nation with a thriving forest of life giving trees representing cancer survivorship. Participants were joined by doctors, hospital administrators, clinical team members, caregivers, family members and members of the local community who attended in a show of support. During the ceremony, celebrants also collectively released five white doves representing each year of cancer-fighting survival while receiving treatment at CTCA. 

Scott sought treatment at CTCA at Midwestern after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.  “When we arrived at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), it was everything I hoped it would be and more,” said Scott.  “With my medical oncologist, Dr. Dennis Citrin, and radiation oncologist, Dr. Bernard Eden, coordinating all aspects of my care, I was confident with the treatment plan we developed.”

The 2013 Celebrate Life event at CTCA at Midwestern also included a red carpet reception and luncheon with delicious gourmet offerings of natural and organic foods prepared by the culinary team from the Wholesome Bistro, the CTCA in-hospital restaurant.

Before the day concluded, many of the five-year survivors took time to walk through the hospital to offer comfort and support to other patients and family members, inspiring all. Each celebrant was also honored with an engraved gold leaf which is proudly displayed on the ever growing tree of life located at the entrance of the hospital.

“Each and every day is a celebration of life and survivorship,” said Scott Jones, president and CEO at CTCA at Midwestern.  “At Cancer Treatment Centers of America everything, from our patient centered personalized treatment to our integrated therapies and supportive services, is orchestrated around the patient and their family.  Patients and their families that are facing cancer choose us, and we stand side-by-side, hand-in-hand with them throughout their journey.”

Photo: Nell Scott, Milwaukee, WI (center), a five-year cancer survivor celebrates life on June 7, 2013 at the Celebrate Life Tree planting ceremony with Christopher McCord Stephenson, DO, Hospitalist and Director of the Quality of Life Clinic (left), and Jamie Stephenson, Board of Directors (right), at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center.  A tree will be planted in Nell Scott's honor. This year, nearly 300 trees will be planted in honor of all five-year cancer survivor celebrants.