On July 23rd, over 300 bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients and families, staff members and physicians boarded the Hornblower Infinity to celebrate life after transplant on our annual boat cruise. Year after year, our patients have come together to reflect on their cancer journey while cruising along the Hudson River in New York City.

For our patients and physicians, this is more than just an annual event. Whether a patient received a transplant four months ago, 17 years ago, or somewhere in between, this boat cruise brings everyone together to celebrate, share stories, and connect with others who’ve been through a similar situation. 

(L,R) Gale Tickner and her mom, Sandra Tickner

“For the past three years, I have come all the way from Florida to attend this event,” says Gale Tickner. ” I love the entire staff at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, especially Dr. van Besien, and I know that because of him I am here today.”

Transplantation can be an important step in a person’s recovery and potentially, long-term survival. The process can be long and complex, but when our physicians see their patients out of the bed and on the dance floor with their loved ones, they know their hard work has paid off.

“The real winners in this are the patients who we get to see and the doctors, nurses, coordinators and all the staff who give us another year of morale to embrace some tough situations,” says Dr. Tsiporah Shore, Associate Director of the Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program. “Some of those tough situations are here today, dancing on the dance floor and I love it.”

Thanks to all who came out and celebrated with us!

Check out this video to see our event highlights.