Knox Community Hospital has announced it will host its annual event on June 11 to recognize and honor local individuals who have survived cancer.
According to Knox Community Hospital, the Annual Cancer Survivor Event will take place on Wednesday, June 11, at the Glenn A. Gallagher Centre community room. The free event opens at 5:30 p.m., with the program starting at 6 p.m., and celebrates local cancer survivors, defined by the American Cancer Society as anyone diagnosed with cancer, regardless of their current status.
The event’s theme, "Hope Grows Here," aims to highlight the importance of hope and positivity for survivors. Speakers include Dr. Steven Reitz, a general surgeon, and Stacy Bartok, a cancer survivor, who will share their experiences. The evening features a proclamation from Mayor Matt Starr, dinner, door prizes, and professional photography. Valet parking will be available for cancer survivors, and all survivors and guests are encouraged to attend to support cancer awareness, survivorship, and prevention.
Dr. Reitz is a general surgeon in Ohio who grew up in southwest Michigan and attended medical school at the University of Toledo, graduating in 2006. He has worked in central Ohio for over a decade and chose Knox Community Hospital for its community focus and surgical opportunities. Reitz aims to introduce advanced robotic surgeries to Knox Community Hospital, allowing patients to receive complex care locally instead of traveling to larger cities. His robotic surgery expertise covers various procedures including hernia repairs, gallbladder removal, and oncologic resections.
Knox Community Hospital is a 99-bed facility in Mount Vernon, Ohio, located approximately 40 miles northeast of Columbus. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and provides a range of medical services through a team of specialized healthcare professionals. Operated as an independent not-for-profit organization, the hospital reinvests revenue into patient care technology and facility improvements to serve the Knox County area.
