Celebrating Milestones

Surrounded by loved ones, Keri Oliva, an RN charge in ESPAA (Enloe Surgical & Procedural Assessment Area), rings the Radiation Oncology Bell to celebrate finishing cancer treatment. Oliva’s father, Doug Hignell, donated the bell to Enloe Health.

When Teri Skow rang one of the bells at the Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center, it marked a new beginning and a departure from her cancer treatments.

“It was awesome. I thank God that part is over,” Skow said. “I’m in the clear.”

Two bells hang at the Cancer Center — the Radiation Oncology Bell and the Celebration Bell. According to Rebecca Senoglu, the Cancer Center’s Support Program Coordinator, ringing the bells is for “celebrating every day and every milestone. When you’re living with cancer, it’s important to celebrate all the good things,” Senoglu said.

When people ring the Celebration Bell, they celebrate many things — birthdays, anniversaries, improved results or finishing treatment.

Loved ones and Enloe caregivers can be invited to attend. Skow, who has rung the bell more than once, was joined by staff members. “They are the kind of caring people you need when you’re going through the journey of cancer,” she said. “They gave me exemplary care and took personal interest in me.”

Those who ring the bells can say something, share their names or what they are celebrating, or opt to say nothing and let the bells speak for them. Artist Don Bravo donated the Celebration Bell in 2019. The bell, which the artist named “Shaolin,” is crafted from a World War II era Navy oxygen cylinder. It hangs from a hook that was hand-forged at least 150 years ago.

Businessman Doug Hignell donated the second bell in honor of his wife, who was treated for breast cancer. It hangs by the door to Radiation Oncology. “Radiation Oncology patients rarely make it to the big bell, so the donated bell from Doug is perfect,” Senoglu said.

More Celebrations to Come

The Celebration Bell will move to the new Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center when it opens in 2026. The bell will be more centrally located, making it more accessible to patients, said Traci Hunt, the Cancer Center’s Senior Director.

“The bells have been so well received,” she said. “We want to continue giving patients the opportunity to celebrate important milestones throughout their cancer journeys. But with the new location of the Celebration Bell, we haven’t decided if the Radiation Oncology Bell will move as well, although it might.”

The Enloe Health Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center will remedy the need to increase cancer care in the North State. Located at the corner of East 20th Street and Bruce Road in Chico, the center allows patients to receive care locally.

The Enloe Health Foundation has raised $18 million for the new cancer center from 677 donors and hopes to raise a total of $20 million by the end of 2025, said Jolene Francis, Vice President of Philanthropy & Communications.

“People can join others who are investing in healthier futures and in our fight against cancer,” she said. “Whether they have donated before or are considering a first-time gift, we invite them to support the Comprehensive Cancer Center Campaign. Their commitment today can bring comfort and hope tomorrow.”

To support the project, visit www.enloe.org/donate.