2024 Butterfly Release Ceremony for Cancer Survivors Awareness Month [Video]

“HCA Florida North Florida Hospital hosted their annual Butterfly Release Ceremony on Wednesday, June 19th in celebration of National Cancer Survivors Month. Cancer survivors and their supporters gathered to release a butterfly as a symbolic way to honor their cancer journey.
Before the butterfly release, Dr. Francisco Macedo, a surgical oncologist at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital said, “When I look around here today, I see not survivors, I see warriors. Each of you embodies the spirit of resiliency and hope. Your journeys are filled with challenges and triumphs, and it inspires us all to continue pushing forward in the fight against cancer.”
Cancer survivor Bill McFarland gave our inspirational survivor’s message this year. He said when he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer almost a year ago, he was convinced that he was “a dead man walking.” But the team at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital was there for him during his cancer treatment journey so that he could be in remission today. Bill said, “I thank this community of healthcare professionals for helping me to continue to enjoy this life, and I know that even if my cancer returns, I have the right medical providers here at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, and they’ll have a plan to assist me in the battle once again.”
Thank you to everyone who attended today’s event to support cancer survivors everywhere in celebration of healthier tomorrows!”