The event moved to MetLife Stadium this year where 4,000 people had registered to attend, but the cold and rainy weather were expected to deter some.
EAST RUTHERFORD -- Dr. Andre Goy's first cancer patient was his mother, 23 years ago. He's since treated countless others who have been diagnosed with cancer, and again saw some of them on Sunday at an event to honor former patients and caregivers at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Goy, chairman and director at the John Theurer Cancer Center at HackensackUMC, said he wanted to create an event that would "celebrate their journey" after he treated a patient with aggressive lymphoma. Goy launched the event eight years ago at Liberty State Park with about 700 patients.
The event was moved to MetLife Stadium this year where 4,000 people had registered to attend, but the cold and rainy weather were expected to deter some.
James Georgia, 55, from Cliffside Park, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma seven years ago and was treated by Goy.
Union criticizes workplace violence report
Georgia said he has gone to the event to volunteer, but that it was nice to see others who had gone through similar experiences. He said he was "petrified" every time he went for check-ups, but that Goy made the visits easier.
"He was amazing and helped me keep the faith," Georgia's wife, Jo-Ann Long said.
The event included people giving temporary tattoos, making balloon animals and a performance by the Midtown Men, who were the original cast members of the Broadway play, Jersey Boys.
Christian Hoff, a member of Midtown Men, has had his own experience with cancer. His wife, mom and 5 year-old daughter have all had cancer.
"Cancer affects all of us," Hoff said. "Knowing that I can help just one person by letting them know they're not alone. We're doing the best we can do."
Sara Jerde may be reached at sjerde@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SaraJerde.