July 8, 2002

It was a day of celebration as more than 200 peopled gathered June 13 to honor, reminisce and remember patients who have been treated in the MGH Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. Survivors and their families joined physicians, nurses and therapists at the Bone Marrow Transplant Patient and Family Reunion, which first began in 1996.

"This event is all about fun," says Cathleen Poliquin, RN, a nurse practitioner in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. "We want the patients and their families to celebrate and reunite with all the MGH caregivers who contributed to their treatment."

Also at the event were family members of former patients who have since died. "I'm amazed at how many family members who have lost loved ones come to this event. It helps them heal just to know that we never forget our patients, even after they have passed away," says Poliquin.

The event included refreshments, door prizes, pizza and entertainment provided by magician Steve Lechner. Each patient also received a T-shirt (displayed by MGHers above).