Georgia Hospital's First Cancer Survivor Celebration Honors Hope

When Joey Tripp finished his cancer treatment, ringing the victory bell wasn't just about his own success. It was about honoring everyone who helped him survive 47 surgeries over 24 years, starting from when he was just 10 years old.

Tripp joined dozens of cancer survivors at Piedmont Newton Hospital's inaugural Cancer Survivor Celebration at Legion Field in June. The event brought together patients, families, hospital staff, and volunteers to celebrate life beyond cancer with catered lunch, community resources, a memory wall, and a photo booth.

Diagnosed with stage 4 bone cancer as a child, Tripp spent decades fighting the disease. After 24 years in remission, the cancer returned to his lungs last year. Through it all, including a femur transplant, spinal fusions, and lung resections, he learned that surviving means more than just beating cancer.

"Cancer may change the road, close some doors, and force you to adapt," Tripp said. "But it doesn't define you. You are the author of your whole story."

Owen Abeles knows that truth firsthand. Diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin's lymphoma during his first semester at Oxford College of Emory University in 2022, he underwent six months of chemotherapy at Piedmont Newton while continuing his studies.

Now in remission, Abeles is pursuing a master's degree in bioethics and applying to medical school. He hopes to become an oncologist, driven by a mission that extends far beyond the treatment room.

"I'm choosing to pursue a career in oncology because I care not only about what happens during treatment, but what happens after," Abeles said. "My healing has come from using my experience to help other cancer survivors be seen."

Why This Inspires

The celebration highlighted something often overlooked in cancer care. Treatment ends, but the journey of rebuilding life continues long after the final chemotherapy session.

Hospital leaders emphasized their commitment to expanding cancer services so patients can access high-quality care close to home. CEO Lindsey Petrini praised the patients who trusted the hospital with their care and thanked the medical teams, including Dr. Chukwuma Ndibe, who walked alongside them.

When Abeles thinks back to ringing the bell after finishing treatment, he doesn't hear a sound of personal success. He hears an echo of all the people, communities, and caregivers who helped him reach that moment.

Piedmont Newton plans to make the Cancer Survivor Celebration an annual event moving forward.