Cancer survivors and members of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute team gathered in front of the new  Todd Cancer Pavilion to help turn on the “Ray of Hope” for the first time.

Cancer survivors and a team from the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute (TCI) at Long Beach Memorial came together to observe National Cancer Survivors Day and commemorated another Todd Cancer Pavilion construction milestone by unveiling its symbolic “Ray of Hope” beacon on Monday, June 3.

“Cancer is a difficult diagnosis to wrap your head around and having hope is so important to achieve the best possible outcome,” says Cindy Gotz, Community Outreach Coordinator, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute. “The Todd Cancer Pavilion provides a physical structure to embody a holistic approach to supporting our cancer survivors, from the time of diagnosis through active treatment and beyond. The “Ray of Hope” illuminated on our building is a reminder that hope lives here.”

Cancer survivors, and their families, gathered to listen to messages of hope and well-wishes from cancer survivors, and to witness the “Ray of Hope” being turned on for the first time. The “Ray of Hope” is a 10-foot tall ribbon that changes colors each month to represent different cancer awareness months and provide hope and inspiration to those touched by cancer. The beacon will now be on every night and can be seen from Long Beach Blvd.

“First, I just have to say, that if we are here to observe cancer survivors day, then I’ll take that,” says Frank Dubbs. “But then I also now want a “radiation/oncology day,” a “Cindy in radiation oncology day” and a “Dr. Chan day” because I wouldn’t be standing here today without the Todd Cancer Institute and this team before me.”

The new 65,000-square-foot Pavilion is an exciting step forward for cancer treatment in Long Beach. It will be a dedicated outpatient cancer facility that will house the many cancer programs and cancer support services that TCI offers, giving patients access to all they need under one roof. The 
Todd Cancer Pavilion will enhance the strong reputation the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial has in Southern California on cancer diagnosis, treatment and research.

The next Todd Cancer Pavilion event is scheduled for Saturday, June 29 as this will be the date when this state-of-the-art, comprehensive cancer center will be unveiled to the public.