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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Cancer Survivor Celebrates Life and Hope

Ira and Winifred Todman in Philadephia Friday.Though Ira Todman claims every day is special to him, Friday was a standout for the five-year cancer survivor as he celebrated his anniversary in Philadelphia joined by 54 other cancer survivors, current patients, friends and family.

Todman and his wife, Winifred, returned to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s Philadelphia site for "Celebrate Life" ceremonies. The event commemorates the courage and tenacity of survivors and the important example of hope they offer to current patients.

Speaking of hope, Todman doesn’t hold back: "I feel like a big shot, million-dollar man," he declared, in an interview earlier in the week.

A St. Thomas taxi driver, Todman’s journey began in 2007 when a colonoscopy revealed he had colon cancer. His gastroenterologist, Dr. Brian Cheetham, told Todman he would need off-island treatment with a specialist, which the local Charlotte Kimmelman Cancer Institute wasn’t able to provide at the time.

Todman learned about CTCA through the research of friends, and it turned out to be a perfect fit. "The doctor asked me if I wanted a second opinion," Todman said. "I told him no, I was ready, so we started the orientations, and chemo and radiation immediately."

With Winifred at his side, Todman went through about two months of chemotherapy and radiation. "The centers put us up in a hotel, with a shuttle to the hospital, all included," Todman said. "They take care of the patient and the caretaker. They did everything, including airline reservations. All we had to do was just get on the plane."

After therapy in July and August, the Todmans returned to St. Thomas where Winifred is a teacher. "In October, I went back up for the operation, and everything has worked out well for me," Todman said. "I started driving a taxi again in 2008."

He added, "I have a happy lady and five grown kids. No complaints!"

On Friday, Todman participated in several events at the celebration including a tree planting ceremony, a dove release, and the passing on of commemorative lapel pins reading "HOPE" to patients currently undergoing treatment at CTCA as a reminder for them to stay positive and hopeful through their battle, said CTCA spokeswoman Deanna Every.

"Believing in hope and optimism is something that comes from within," said Todman. "But at CTCA, you can feel the positive spirit and vibes."

Speaking at the ceremony, John McNeil, CTCA president and chief executive officer in Philadelphia, said, "We are honored to celebrate the five-year cancer survivorship and continued success of all of our celebrants. We aim to empower and encourage our patients to help them take control of their cancer and improve their quality of life with some of the most advanced medical treatments and complementary therapies available."

CTCA was founded in 1988. It provides a comprehensive, patient-centered treatment model that fully integrates traditional, state-of-the-art medical treatments with scientifically supported complementary and alternative therapies such as nutrition, naturopathy, psychological counseling, physical therapy and spiritual support to meet the special, whole-person needs of advanced-stage cancer patients.

With a network of cancer treatment hospitals and community oncology programs in Illinois, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Washington, CTCA encourages patients and their families to participate in treatment decisions with its Patient Empowerment Medicine model.

For more information, visit the Cancer Treatment Centers of America® website.
www.cancercenter.com

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