Organization Celebrates Cancer Survivors
Party Like a Survivor Creator Robyn Person addresses the crowd.
Whenever Robyn Person had it on her heart to acknowledge both the struggles and the triumphs of cancer survivors – she put all of her energy and passion into a project.
The result: Avenue Health. The celebration: Party Like a Survivor.
Cancer is no easy feat for anyone. The disease breaks down bodies, spirits and even tears families apart each day. Person decided that a better way to deal with one of the world’s greatest nuisances was to celebrate survivors and offer financial support.
Last weekend Person and her supportive Party Like a Survivor team hosted the sixth annual celebration at a popular DeSoto, Texas event venue. Each year the event includes live music provided by famed band Natural Change, a live DJ and the sharing of survivor stories.
This year’s honoree is Rian Johnson. On December 16, 2008, Johnson was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in SITU (DCIS). She was only 28 years old and had no family history of breast cancer. She noticed a hard lump in her armpit, but dismissed it as just an ingrown hair or a shaving bump. Johnson eventually consulted a doctor, had a sonogram and the lump was removed. That December she learned that the lump was in fact cancerous. She underwent a series of biopsies and the cancer was confined to her right breast region.
Unfortunately for Johnson, the cancer did return after she was deemed cancer free in March of 2009. She had rebuilt her life, moved abroad, joined a band and even performed in shows. The young woman is still rather numb about her diagnosis, but vows to educate others about cancer and help wherever she can in the fight against cancer.
On hand Sunday was nurse Ashley Douglas of Medical City Dallas Hospital. Douglas engaged the audience in a question and answer session about cancer.
One of the highlights of the evening is the survivor strut, where all present cancer survivors strut around the dance floor in celebration of their survival.
Person’s objective is simple – cancer awareness and support. What began as a single event quickly grew into an annual affair and a non-profit organization. Person has a special affinity for cancer survivors, especially since 2014 when her mother, Estella Person, was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Her mother transitioned to a Cancer Warrior in March of 2015 and will continue to be remembered at every Party Like a Survivor celebration.
“I believe that Party Like a Survivor can and will be the eye opening event to give a more personal understanding of the fight with cancer,” says Person. “It could potentially close the gap between patient and insurance responsibility.”
-Ari Christine
