Cancer survivor's day held in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Cancer patients treated at Mercy Medical Center gathered for their 8th annual Cancer Survivors Day. These balloons inscribed with deeply personal message of hope have always played an important role in Cancer Survivor day.

Hundreds of survivors and volunteers came together at the Springfield Elks Lodge for this very personal day they would all share.

Then came the moment that's become a tradition during survivor’s day, dozens of balloons being released.

As the balloons soar skywards, so do the hopes of those who've bravely battled Cancer.

“It's a celebration of life as they say, I've been a survivor for close to eight years, and I've since become accustomed to coming here and getting inspiration from those who are survivors and those that are going through the cancer process,” Jacqueline Navarro-Perez told 22News.

Robert and Sharon Della Giustina of Agawam have battled cancer together. The couple told 22News, how they appreciate the care they've gotten.

“Both of us had wonderful experiences at the mercy cancer center. The people there are just fantastic; they treat you like you're the first one's to have cancer, excellent, excellent treatment,” Robert Della Guistina said.

Cancer survivor's day is always an emotional time and a time together filled with hope.