Ringing the bell at the last appointment is a very emotional and meaningful part of a patient’s recovery. It signifies a celebratory moment and an important milestone on their cancer journey. Many patients are not alone during the ceremony. They are often accompanied by nurses, doctors, as well as friends and family. Tears, smiles, and hugs usually accompany this ceremony.
It’s common for cancer survivors to receive brass bells as gifts from family, friends, or loved ones to signify the end of their treatment process, in addition to ringing the bell at the clinic. They can be small tokens that can easily sit on a desktop or larger bells that draw attention as you walk past. The bell is a reminder of what the patient went through and how hard they worked to finish their treatment.
While it might not mean the end of their cancer treatment, it ends their specific journey at that cancer facility. Sometimes cancer patient treatments are a combination of radiation and surgery, and they will still need to go to another facility to receive additional treatment. While others may have their cancer return and need more cancer treatments.
Regardless, the process of ringing the bell inspires hope and excitement in the patient who is ringing the bell. The bell provides a feeling of accomplishment and pride for all they went through. It’s a day that no patient ever forgets, and the bell creates a beautiful memory to accompany a significant event to help to give it the respect it deserves.