Cancer Survivors Share Stories, Support Each Other at Annual Conference

DULUTH - Saturday afternoon cancer survivors met at the DECC for a conference that kept them positive and motivated for the future. 

A battle with cancer can change someone's life forever and Essentia Health is making sure the right support and resources are always available for someone who might need them.

Saturday was the 2nd Annual Cancer Center Research Conference.

"There are long term effects that happen from their treatments or their cancer and so how do we help them live the fullest life that they can?" says Colleen Baggs, a nurse at Essentia Health. 

The conference aimed at healing and growing, hosting speakers who shared their own cancer stories.

"So encouraging, so full of humor which I think is the best way to fight this," says six-year survivor Liz Gleeson.

"They turn something that can be so negative into a positive and you have to attempt to stay positive throughout a bad situation," says one-year survivor Chris Voltzke.

Not only could survivors learn about things from nutrition to skin care, but they found support within each other.

"I think the best part is introducing another survivor to another survivor, or caregiver to caregiver and just watching that connection. You can see that hope in their eyes, that inspiration, that connection that's there," says Baggs.

Voltzke says she stays motivated by seeing other people in similar situations.

"It's just nice to see that other people are going through this and they're making it," says Voltzke.

Gleeson says every survivor is there when you might need them.

"Some days you are feeling really strong, you know you can be a good friend to someone else and other days you are the one that needs the help," Gleeson says.

Each had one piece of advice for anyone starting that tough journey.

"Support, support, support; from whomever you can receive support from, get it," says Voltzke.

"When the tears stop, take a deep breath and open your mind," added Gleeson.

If you missed the conference, you can always head over to the Cancer Resource Center at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center for any cancer information or support.