Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Southeastern Regional Medical Center (Southeastern) anticipates nearly 370 survivors from 34 states, including Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina and more, for Celebrate Life on March 23. This annual event honors survivors celebrating five or more years since beginning treatment at CTCA.

"Celebrate Life is a unique opportunity for us all,” said medical oncologist Dr. John McKnight. “This holiday reconnects us with our purpose and reunites us with patients and families to celebrate not only this incredible milestone but also our daily blessings."

During Celebrate Life, celebrants’ names are added to the "Survivor Tree" located in the hospital lobby, which serves as a lasting reminder of their courage and strength, as well as inspiration for other patients and families. Each survivor is also honored with a ceremonial tree planted in his or her name to symbolize their fighting spirit and hope for years to come.

“When I was diagnosed, I prayed I’d be here to see my seven grandchildren grow up,” said Jacqueline Curiton, a breast cancer survivor from Jonesboro, Ga. “I try to live every moment with purpose in this second chapter of my life. For me, Celebrate Life is about those moments.”

CTCA joined the Georgia landscape in August 2012 and is accredited by The Joint Commission, Commission on Cancer and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. The hospital has served nearly 13,000 new patients from all 50 states since opening, while generating more than $1.7 billion in new economic activity in Georgia. It was the first hospital in Georgia to open the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study, the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s first-ever clinical trial.