Spa Day at the Beach for Cancer Survivors

Dr. Peter Harris and Milkshake the Cow kept the crowd laughing at last year’s Cancer Survivor’s Day

When Dr. Leslie Lockridge was undergoing medical training during his journey to become an oncologist (a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer), the professors and doctors who were teaching him stressed the importance of not becoming too attached to his patients. By remaining distant, he was told that it would decrease the anguish of losing a patient.
It was a concept that sounded good in theory, but not in practice. A compassionate man, Dr. Lockridge happily admits that he failed miserably in following the advice of those who encouraged him to remain aloof.
“I believe that it’s important for us to see people with cancer as people, not diseases,” he said. One part of his job he doesn’t like is that often the only times he sees his patients is either to deliver bad news or while they are undergoing treatment. Seldom does he get to see them during good times or just going about life.
“It’s very rare to see them out in the world just being themselves,” Dr. Lockridge said. “We rarely get to see them enjoying life as a regular person, not as a cancer patient.”
For the second year in a row North Country Hospital and Health System will take part in National Cancer Survivors Day festivities. North Country is one of more than 700 communities around the world to celebrate this event. It's a day to honor cancer survivors for their strength and courage in the face of adversity. In addition, it is a day to recognize the role that families, friends, and healthcare providers play in the life of a person with cancer. North Country Hospital and Heath System and Second Summer Productions are sponsoring the Newport event. Last year, despite rainy, cold weather, dozens of people turned out for the cancer survivor festivities that were held at Prouty Beach in Newport. Patients, their family members, and doctors, enjoyed one another’s company on happy terms.
This year’s theme is “Spa Day at the Beach” and will feature free lunch, massage, Reiki, manicures, music, dance and an opportunity to visit with other survivors and their families. Dr. Lockridge will speak. There will be gifts and door prizes. The event will once again be at Prouty Beach from 11am – 4pm.
Looking down the road to August, Dr. Lockridge said he looks forward to the Cancer Survivor’s Day and spend time with people he typically sees only as his patients. He thinks that the special day helps patients and healthcare provides the opportunity to connect on a different level and helps them renew their energy to carry on the battle to against the disease.
When one works in a small hospital it’s not easy not getting attached to the patients, just ask Katie McGreevey. As the director of the Oncology Department at North Country Hospital, McGreevey has celebrated and mourned with patients.
“We treat the total person,” she explained. “I think it's important that patients know the nurses really care for them.”
McGreevey said she thinks the Cancer Survivor’s Day is a great way for cancer survivors, their families, and medical providers, to connect on a different level. “I am happy to organize this event for the community to honor cancer survivors. I hope that those who join us find it to be relaxing and enjoyable.”
Peggy Clowery couldn’t agree more with Dr. Lockridge and McGreevey. A cancer survivor, the Derby Line woman attended North Country’s first annual cancer survivor’s day last year. She told how nice it was to chat with the people who had treated her cancer on a person to person basis, not as patient to doctor. Just as important for her was meeting other cancer survivors.
“I just enjoyed seeing other people who shared a common challenge,” Clowery said. “I enjoyed the camaraderie of being with them. They were from all walks of life but we were all on the same page. We could talk with each other and relate to each other. It was wonderful. I walked out very encouraged. That really did something for me. It made realize, although realistically I already knew, there are many other people out there with been through what I have been through.”
Also a member of Kindred Connection, a group comprised of cancer survivors who work to form a support group for people with cancer, Clowery plans to attend this year’s Cancer Survivor’s Day celebration.
The Cancer Survivor’s Day festivities will take place on August 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prouty Beach in Newport.

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