Hundreds of cancer survivors, caregivers, friends and family members gathered June 3 for the 27th Annual Festival of Life, a yearly celebration of health and hope at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, and held on the Health Sciences Campus.

The event, led by Art Ulene, MD, USC Norris Ambassador, included remarks by physician speaker Gino In, MD, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, as well as several patient survivors including Joe Vega, a 10-year survivor of colon cancer, who attended the event with his husband David Martinez and sits on the USC Cancer Survivorship Advisory Council (CSAC), and Judy Stark, who is a 16-year melanoma survivor and has volunteered with the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center for the last 12 years.

“This wonderful event wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of more than a hundred staff members and volunteers,” explained Alicia Syers, director of volunteer services at USC Norris, who served as the principal organizer of the event.

Activities included music, information and a dove release. The Festival of Life traditionally is held the day before National Cancer Survivors Day, which is the first Sunday in June.

The Trojan Marching Band opens the 27th Annual Festival of Life, held June 3 on the Health Sciences Campus. (Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III)

Attendees take a photo with Traveler during the 27th Annual Festival of Life, held June 3 on the Health Sciences Campus. (Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III)