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Community Corner

Sweet Sounds of Ending Cancer Treatment

After being diagnosed with colon cancer and undergoing 10 radiation treatments at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital, Arthur Grindler and his daughters Barbara Widelski– a three time cancer survivor, and Laura Luzan wanted to express their gratitude to his physician Dr. Daniel Golden and the entire care team that supported him. Arthur and Barbara donated an inspirational plaque and a shiny, brass ship’s bell to share a gift of hope and inspire cancer patients.

“We needed to find a top-notch bell for the top-notch medical care that I received here at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital. It’s big - weighs 21 pounds - and it really shines just like everyone here,” exclaimed Arthur Grindler who resides in Homer Glen. “Everyone has gone above and beyond with my care.  They truly cared and made me feel very special. I’m so thankful for all of them.”

After patients complete their final radiation treatment, they are to ring the ship’s bell three times in celebration. The plaque is adorned with an eagle in flight representing the courage and strength of the patients; and includes an inscription “Ring this bell, Three times well, Its toll to clearly say, My treatment's done, This course is run, And I am on my way!”

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“Oftentimes there are set-backs with cancer, so it is important to acknowledge a patient’s achievements.  Ringing the bell to celebrate this special milestone is a step toward hope for physical and mental well-being, not only for patients but their loved ones who are also affected by the disease,” said New Lenox resident Barbara Widelski. “My dad and I are so happy to pass forward the gift of hope, and help others celebrate life; especially to those in our community.”

“We are so appreciative to Arthur and his daughter, Barbara, for their bell and plaque donation that will give inspiration and hope to our patients, their families and our staff for many years to come,” said Daniel Golden, M.D., Radiation Oncologist with the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital.

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“Even though we were only a part of Mr. Grindler's life for a short period of time, he will forever remain in our hearts. And we will think of him every time we hear the bell toll when another patient finishes their treatment. I would like to thank the Grindler family for their very generous gift,” said Kimberly DeNardo, Lead Radiation Therapist for the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross.

About the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross

The University of Chicago Medicine and Silver Cross Hospital’s outpatient cancer treatment center located in the Carolyn J. Czerkies Pavilion at I-355 and Route 6 (1850 Silver Cross Blvd.) in New Lenox opened its doors on June 25, 2012. The 20,000-square-foot University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross brings University of Chicago academic specialists and their advanced and investigational therapies into a community-hospital setting. The facility provides state-of-the-art chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as access to hundreds of clinical trials. It also offers a TrueBeam new-generation linear accelerator system, which delivers precisely targeted radiation therapy to provide the best results. In addition, other services provided at the Comprehensive Cancer Center include cancer support services, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, infusion services, and preventative screenings. The University of Chicago Medicine maintains more active clinical trials for the treatment of cancer than any other program in Illinois. To schedule an appointment, call 1-855-UCM-1400. For more information about the new University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital, visit www.ucmcancer-sch.org.

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