Honoring Cancer Survivors: Stories of Strength and Hope from NYPC “Graduates”
June is National Cancer Survivors Month — a powerful tribute to the strength, resilience, and hope of those who have faced cancer head-on. At the New York Proton Center, this month holds special meaning. We recently caught up with Jack and Ginger, two NYPC “graduates” who shared their stories with us and the advice they have for others who are diagnosed with cancer.
Every survivor we treat is a reminder of what is possible when advanced care meets the human spirit. We celebrate the lives touched by cancer — and the journeys that continue beyond diagnosis and treatment.
From Treating Hodgkin’s Lymphoma to Fresh Starts
Jack Sosinski was treated at NYPC in early 2023 for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Jack did not allow his diagnosis to sideline him; although he said it could have easily done so in the beginning. When he was first diagnosed, he tended to shy away from communicating with others about what was going on—feeling like it was a burden. His advice, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I would encourage you to try to be open and talk through how you are feeling with your support system and try to keep yourself busy. You do not want to sit and think about your situation all the time. A good hobby will take your mind off of treatments, and you may even look back at your time a little more positively after all is said and done.”
After getting the all-clear in May of 2023, he and his wife were finally able to enjoy their much-needed honeymoon that they had put off due to treatments. In October 2023, more than a year after getting married, they were fortunate enough to spend two weeks in Japan, exploring the different cities, enjoying the shrines and temples, and sampling the local cuisine. Upon returning, Jack also started a new role at his company that has allowed him to gain more knowledge in the financial tech area. “These two life events acted as a fresh start for me after all the uncertainty that my diagnosis had brought.”
Giving Life Another Outlook After Head and Neck Cancer
Ginger Lynch was treated for head/neck cancer at NYPC in 2022.
Ginger always prioritized her family—her husband, her son and his wife, and two grandchildren; but going through treatment, she said she had to learn to focus on herself too. She admitted that this was a bit difficult as her personality is a “giver.” But in order to maintain her physical, mental, and emotional self she had to be a little selfish, even if it felt out of character. She said, “I found that during the actual treatment appointment, I would focus on something important in my life – I centered my thoughts on my husband, family, friends, life and not the sounds from the machine. I would think about the good times and all of the wonderful adventures I’ve had and look forward to many more. My granddaughter was born two months before I began treatment, my grandson was 3, and I was determined to be part of their lives as they grow up.”
Ginger also found that communication with the expert radiation therapists was important—as she wanted to know the timing of the delivery of each treatment beam and exactly what was happening. “I found this very helpful, and the technicians always accommodated me.” Since completing treatment (3 years in July), she has since moved closer to her son, his wife and grandkids. “I made it through one of the toughest challenges/times of my life—and I’m still here. I cannot tell you how many times professionals in the field of cancer care have told me that radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the gifts that keep on giving. This is so true—the side effects do raise their ugly heads, but I’m still here enjoying my life with my family, husband, my son and his wife, my 3- and 6-year-old grandchildren, and friends. How lucky am I?! I appreciate all of the support, care, concern and understanding from everyone at the New York Proton Center.”
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