October 16, 2024
Ringing a bell after completing treatments has become a joyous and often spiritual milestone for cancer patients. For Chad Hoke, an insurance actuary and two-time cancer survivor, it turned out to be unexpectedly underwhelming.
“From the beginning, I was counting down how many treatments and visits remained—and I was really looking forward to ending it with the bell to mark the completion of my journey,” shares Chad.
When it came time, he rang a small hand bell at the nurse’s station and appreciated the applause and celebration but wanted to improve the situation for others. Chad decided to take things into his own hands.
“I had beat cancer and yet, after nine long weeks, I felt that more could be done,” said Chad. “When you’re going through cancer you learn to appreciate life, make the most of every moment, and get things done. I reached out to Jeffrey Kamradt MD, my oncologist at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute in Avon, and asked if I could improve the bell situation.”
The result was a brand-new, larger bell mounted prominently on the wall of the Avon Cancer Center—a gift from Chad to signify the end of a hard-fought journey. Below the bell is inscribed: “The course is run, my treatment done, now I’m on my way.” The bell will be admired and celebrated by all who receive treatments at the infusion center for years to come.
“I wanted to share the positive energy and gratitude I felt throughout my treatment” shares Chad. “I am grateful to be able to do something for the doctors, nurses, and people who helped me along the way. When I was able to be the first to ring the new bell, I thought about all those people who surrounded me and prayed for me during my treatments. I rang it for them too.”
This act of generosity not only honors Chad’s journey but inspires others to embrace their victories and pay it forward for others.
“Gifts from grateful patients are so meaningful because they are a tangible acknowledgement of the world-class and compassionate care our patients receive every day at Hartford HealthCare,” shared Lynn B. Rossini, Vice President of Philanthropy. “Like Chad, we hope this bell will provide hope and strength to our patients and remain a catalyst for many joyous celebrations to come. Thank you Chad, for this thoughtful and generous gift to our Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute in Avon.”