Ring the Bell: Celebrating Milestones with a New Tradition in UPHS – Portage Cancer Care

Surrounded by her family and medical team, Jessica marked an important milestone in her cancer treatment last week through a swift motion of the hand. The sound of UP Health System – Portage’s (UPHS – Portage) new symbolic bell in the Cancer Care unit rang out and the joy in the facility was palpable.

She was among the first patients to have the opportunity to ring the bell in celebration of a significant milestone in cancer treatment. For Jessica, it marked the conclusion of eight rounds of chemotherapy.

“I have a long road ahead of me, but this is the first step I had to complete and I did it successfully,” she said. “Being able to stand in front of my family, former coworkers and the wonderful Oncology staff to ring the bell is something I will never forget.”

The bell serves as a celebratory symbol for patients on their cancer journey, signifying important milestones such as beginning or completing treatment, receiving a positive diagnostic scan or achieving a personal accomplishment. It can also serve as a beacon of hope—patients are encouraged to ring it whenever they feel the need or are inspired to do so.

“Integrating moments of joy into the cancer treatment process holds significant importance, particularly considering the emotional and physical challenges that patients face,” said Angela Lizzadro-Mcpherson, a registered nurse in the Oncology department who helped bring the bell to UPHS – Portage. “Creating opportunities for patients to take control and experience joyous moments amidst an otherwise uncontrollable situation can offer a sense of relief and hope during their cancer journey.”

As a member of the care team who sees patients come and go throughout treatment—getting to know them personally—Lizzadro-Mcpherson said witnessing the bell ringing can evoke a profound emotional response.

“It is inspiring to see the patients reach a significant milestone and celebrate their achievements in their cancer journey, and I’m honored to have supported them and played a small part in it,” she said. “To see their smiles and tears of happiness as they ring the bell is an incredibly rewarding experience that reaffirms the importance of our work and the impact we have on the lives of these remarkable individuals.”

Hannah Wilson, another registered nurse in Oncology who helped lead this effort, has already seen the impact the tradition has on both patients and their families.

“It brings together individuals to show hope and resilience during a challenging time,” she said. “As one family member let us know, ‘Ringing that bell after chemo this time really changed things for my father. Even if he is never cancer-free, it is something to celebrate getting through those treatments.’”

This tradition has roots dating back to the 1990s in Texas when U.S. Navy Veteran Irve Le Moyne decided to mark the end of his cancer treatment by following a Naval tradition of ringing a bell to signify the completion of an important job or task. The reverberating sound serves as a celebratory announcement of overcoming hardship, perseverance and strength.

“Ring this bell three times well to celebrate this day” is engraved on the plaque at UPHS – Portage, an adaptation of the poem “Ringing Out” by Le Moyne. Now a treasured integration into patient care across the globe, the decision to bring it to the Copper Country was influenced by the potential for positive impact. 

“By bringing this tradition to our local community hospital, we aim to provide patients with an opportunity to partake in this meaningful ritual upon reaching significant milestones throughout the treatment process,” said Lizzadro-Mcpherson.

“We felt we needed to lift the spirits of our cancer patients and give them a little hope and determination through their cancer treatment with the ringing of the bell,” added Tammy Pertile, manager of Oncology.

For Jessica, the tradition served as a symbol of hope for the future and provided a lasting memory and the strength to move on to her next step.

“It’s not easy, it’s a long and hard process, but it’s worth it to keep pushing through,” said Jessica.

A cancer diagnosis is never easy, but if it is something you are working through, know that the cancer team at UPHS – Portage is with you every step of the way. With compassion and community at the center of our mission, we place a high importance on making every patient we see feel comfortable.

To learn more about Cancer Care at UP Health System – Portage, visit UPHealthSystem.com/Cancer-Care.