The Len Atkins Memorial was established to honor the memory of Len Atkins, a devoted father and husband who lost his battle with cancer at 47. Just nine months after his heartbreaking diagnosis of stage 4 colorectal cancer, Len passed away on July 28, 2013, missing the chance to watch his son grow. Len was younger than the recommended age for a colonoscopy during his physical, and early detection might have altered his fate.

Through events like this golf tournament on Wednesday, June 4 at the Hermitage Golf Course, the Len Atkins Memorial aims to raise awareness and promote screening for colorectal cancer. Non-golfers are welcome to enjoy lunch and enter the putting content. Click here to register.

Survivor Fitness started with a simple but powerful belief: cancer survivors shouldn’t have to navigate recovery alone. After finishing treatment, many people are left wondering how to rebuild their strength and their health. As a cancer survivor himself, Founder Aaron Grunke experienced this gap firsthand and created a program to fill it. Survivor Fitness is a nonprofit organization offering personalized health & wellness support—completely free to participants.  Every service is designed to meet survivors where they are and help them rebuild not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Whether you’re in Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga, or connecting virtually from elsewhere, their team is here to support you. The program includes: 

In her early 40s, journalist Mary Elizabeth Williams is diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and races against time to survive. She joins a pioneering immunotherapy clinical trial, leading to the rapid disappearance of her cancer; meanwhile her best friend faces her own cancer battle with different results. Williams's story offers an honest look at enduring illness, the revolutionary strides in medical science, and the power of human connection.

It’s OK To Not Be OK. Men need to talk about cancer diagnoses. 

Sid Sadler shares his personal journey, detailing the emotional turmoil following his cancer diagnosis at 32. Despite societal pressures, Sid found solace in therapy and support groups, emphasizing the importance of open spaces for men to share their experiences without judgment. He highlights the lack of male representation in cancer support communities and calls for societal change to encourage men to express their feelings, which can positively impact treatment and relationships. Read his story here. 

Psychiatric medication consultation and psychotherapy (counseling) services are available to VICC patients throughout treatment and up to two years post-treatment. If you would like more information about these services or to discuss a referral, please contact your oncologist or social worker.

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a non-profit alliance of the world's leading cancer centers coming together to improve the quality of cancer care for patients everywhere, and a Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute. For more information, visit www.vicc.org. The information transmitted and any attachments are intended solely for the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, re-transmission, dissemination or other use or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this material in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from your system.