The Valley Hospital's 19th Annual Celebration of Life Cancer Survivors Day 2008 On June 7, The Valley Hospital celebrated its 19th Annual Celebration of Life to honor cancer survivors. The theme was "Journey Through Survivorship" honoring the 5,500 mile journey that Dr. John McConnell was about to begin. Participants at the event gave him a big send off at the conclusion of the program. Survivors had the opportunity to write in a Gratitude Journal and chart their years of survivorship on the Ladder of Life. Survivors also had the opportunity to hear from the Cancer Center Director about advances in treatment methodologies. One survivor told his story about his diagnosis and treatment for two different cancers. Valley Hospital colorectal surgeon John McConnell, M.D., provided information about Pedaling for Prevention, his 5,500-mile bike ride to raise awarenesss of colorectal cancer. All funds raised will go directly to Valley's Blumenthal Cancer Center. Survivors had the opportunity to provide a special "Survivor Send Off" to wish Dr. McConnell well on his journey.