Submissions are welcome from oncologists, oncology nurses, and other cancer caregivers. E-mail only, please, to: mailto:[email protected], and include affiliation/title, address, and phone number, along with a photo, if available.
We Gather Tonight...
We gather tonight bound by a common thread-cancer
We search and pray for a positive answer
It is radiation, chemo... a clinical trial
Counseling, or exercise and walking a mile
Whatever the option we choose to pursue
Our bond is steadfast and ever so true
For from this bond comes strength and endurance
And positive thoughts to bring an assurance
That this place is good, loving and strong and
Together we will fight all day long
We will win some battles and some we will lose
But losing our hearts, minds or our souls....WE REFUSE!
William B. Fisher, MD, FACP, is a medical oncologist at Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Cancer Center and a founding member of the Hoosier Cancer Research Network.
A colleague, Melody A. Stanley, CNMT, RT(N), MS, Coordinator of Patient Education & Supportive Services, who submitted this poem, explains the background: "Each year the IU Health Ball Memorial Cancer Center holds a very special patient holiday party. Our staff, nurses, advanced providers, and even our oncologists join in to make the night memorable. There is entertainment, a cancer survivors choir, skits, singing, a brief moment of dancing-for those who feel up to the fun-refreshments, and fellowship, but most importantly we strive to make the evening one that our patients enjoy and look forward to each year.
"This time, at the end of the evening Dr. Fisher recited the following poem that he wrote. He also referenced the great Jimmy Valvano and how his spirit, love, and humor inspired, and made sure that our patients knew they were our truest inspiration and heroes."