Community Corner

6,000 Cancer Survivors Meet At MetLife Stadium To Celebrate Life

600 people went to MetLife for the first gathering 10 years ago. Now, the number is 10 times that much.

More than 6,000 cancer survivors, their family members and caregivers, and their healthcare teams gathered at MetLife Stadium recently for the Celebrating Life and Liberty event.
More than 6,000 cancer survivors, their family members and caregivers, and their healthcare teams gathered at MetLife Stadium recently for the Celebrating Life and Liberty event. (Hackensack Meridian Health)

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — More than 6,000 cancer survivors, their families, caregivers, and their healthcare teams gathered at MetLife Stadium for the annual Celebrating Life and Liberty meeting by Hackensack Meridian Health.

It was the largest gathering in the event's 11-year history.

Survivors shared their stories using songs, poems, prose, and live performances.

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Cancer, Hackensack Meridian officials said, knows no race or religion, and the event united people from all walks of life.

"To see this many people gather in one place to rejoice and have a great time together — more than we've ever had in the history of this event — is truly inspiring. It is one of the best days of my year," said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.

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