Cancer Center Gets New Bell to Celebrate Survivors

Cancer patients at the Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute in Wilmington, North Carolina, now have a powerful new way to celebrate their treatment milestones.

The institute dedicated a brand new bell on April 17, 2026, designed by local artist Dumay Gorham. The bell sits just outside the front doors, ready for patients to ring when they reach important moments in their cancer journey.

The tradition of ringing bells after cancer treatment has brought hope to patients nationwide. Each ring echoes a personal victory, whether it's finishing chemotherapy, completing radiation, or receiving good news from doctors.

At the dedication ceremony, cancer survivor Stephen Gore joined oncology nurse Tara Collins and the nursing staff to celebrate the installation. The Cape Fear Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society also attended, showing their support for this meaningful addition to patient care.

Having the bell outside the main entrance means more patients can participate in this uplifting ritual. Previously, bells were often located in specific treatment areas, limiting who could access them.

Sunny's Take

There's something incredibly powerful about hearing a bell ring at a cancer center. Each chime tells a story of courage, resilience, and hope. For patients still in treatment, those sounds remind them that finish lines exist and people cross them every day. For survivors, ringing that bell transforms an internal victory into a moment the whole community can celebrate together.

The collaboration between artist Dumay Gorham and the medical community created more than just a bell. They built a symbol that turns individual triumphs into shared joy, reminding everyone who walks through those doors that healing happens here.

One more bell will ring in Wilmington, celebrating one more victory in the fight against cancer.