Celebrating Courage, Hope, and Survivorship
By Office of Communications & Marketing | Jul 21, 2026
Cancer Survivor Celebration
On Sunday, June 7, Downstate's Department of Pediatrics and the Child Life Center, under the leadership of Lisa Smith, proudly welcomed pediatric cancer survivors and their families back for a long-awaited Cancer Survivor Celebration. It was the first such celebration since before the pandemic, bringing families together again after a six-year hiatus.
The afternoon was a joyful reunion of survivors, ranging in age from 3 to 28, who gathered with their families, physicians, nurses, Child Life specialists, and many retired clinicians who had cared for them throughout their cancer journeys. Warm hugs, laughter, and heartfelt conversations filled the room as old friends reunited and new memories were made.
For many families, seeing the healthcare professionals who stood beside them during some of life's most difficult moments was deeply moving. Caregivers also had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable resilience of the children they once treated, who are now thriving as toddlers, students, young adults, and survivors.
The celebration featured music, games, great food, and plenty of smiles. But the day's greatest gift was the opportunity to honor every survivor's journey and celebrate the hope they represent.
That spirit has long been at the heart of the Child Life Program. Under Lisa Smith's leadership, the Child Life Center helps children and families navigate hospitalization through therapeutic play, emotional support, family-centered programming, and milestone celebrations that allow children to be children.
For more than 50 years, the program has provided a safe, procedure-free environment where young patients can learn, play, heal, and find moments of joy during difficult times. It also supports families in pediatric inpatient units, the emergency department, and outpatient clinics, recognizing that healing extends beyond medical treatment alone.
The event also reflected the spirit of #KeepCareClose, Downstate and University Hospital at Downstate's commitment to ensuring that Brooklyn's children and families have access to exceptional, compassionate care close to home.
For generations, Downstate's pediatric oncology team has cared for some of Brooklyn's youngest and most courageous patients, building relationships that extend far beyond treatment. Sunday's celebration was a powerful reminder that healing doesn't end when treatment does. It continues through the lasting bonds between families, caregivers, and the community that surrounds them.
The celebration was made possible through the generous support of The Brooklyn Children's Society, The Cancer Club, Med Council, The Child Life Fund, Music That Heals, and private donors, whose commitment helped create an unforgettable day for survivors and their families.
Special thanks to Lisa Smith, Director of The Child Life Center, and the entire team for their extraordinary compassion, selfless dedication, and commitment to helping children and families find comfort, hope, and joy, even during their most challenging moments. Their work reminds us that healing is about caring for the whole child and supporting every family along the way.
Cancer survivorship is a testament to courage, perseverance, compassionate care, and the power of community. We are honored to celebrate these extraordinary young people, whose strength inspires us every day, and we remain committed to keeping exceptional pediatric care close to home for every child and family who needs it. #KeepCareClose
