by Barbara Curtis
Enduring a cancer diagnosis, attending weeks of daily radiation treatment and coping with side effects are no easy feats. When patients complete their final treatment, the Radiation Oncology Department at Chester County Hospital helps them celebrate this great achievement with the ringing of a bell.
Originally a gift from a grateful patient, the bell is now a tradition in the department and sits on a mantle with a poem written above, “Ring this bell, three times well. Its toll will clearly say, my treatments done, this course is run, and I am on my way!”
Surrounded by loved ones and medical staff, patients proudly and emotionally ring the bell signaling the end of their treatment and the beginning of a new chapter in their journey.
During a patient’s time in the department, close relationships are built with the Radiation Oncology staff and other patients who they meet along the way. When a person finishes their treatment and are ready to ring the bell, oftentimes current and past patients come to visit and watch this celebratory moment.
Each individual’s experience with the bell is unique and personal. Some bring their whole family, grandkids and all, and celebrate with balloons and music. Others might only bring a dear loved one who has helped them through difficult times. Though each experience may be different, one aspect is always the same – how touching the experience is for everyone in the room, and how thankful each patient is for the care they received and the chance to move forward.
*This story is just one of the 125 stories featured in a new anthology about Chester County Hospital in celebration of its 125th Anniversary. Chester County Hospital was founded in 1892, making it the first hospital in the county. The hospital’s commemorative book, “125 stories,” will be published in December.