Life, liberty celebrated once again for cancer survivors

November 3, 2010

A breezy, beautiful Sunday in September marked the second annual Celebrating Life and Liberty event, sponsored by the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC). Owing to the success of last year’s premiere celebration, The Charles Group was once again asked to coordinate and manage the entire day’s agenda—from transportation to entertainment and activities—for more than 1,000 guests.

The September 26 event, offered free of charge, gives survivors of all types of cancer the chance to share, rejoice and reflect with other survivors, friends, caregivers and family members. The festivities took place at Liberty State Park, with the magnificent Statue of Liberty—a symbol of hope, renewal and liberty—in the near distance.

“This celebration holds a special place for us,” said Susan Dunkelman, managing partner for The Charles Group. “It is simultaneously uplifting, celebratory and even educational. All of us find it wonderfully rewarding to see the participants and their families experience it.”

Indeed, The Charles Group was instrumental in the event’s success—from arranging transportation, to managing its budget, directing the event’s set up, food, entertainment, activities, raffles, and more.

Attendees enjoyed delicious food, rocking entertainment from The Infernos, and interactive workshops that ranged from healthful laughter yoga and Qigong to more practical make-up, scarf tying and wig demonstrations. The day also included the planting of an evergreen, to symbolize hope for the future.

“It’s a wonderful way for Hackensack University Medical Center to congratulate its patients on winning the fight with cancer,” said Dunkelman. “And it’s our honor to help make it memorable.”