NASHUA, N.H. – St. Joseph Hospital hosted its third annual Survivorship Ribbon Gala on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in recognition of National Cancer Survivors Month. The event brought together cancer survivors, families, caregivers, staff, and community members to celebrate resilience, honor survivorship, and recognize the strength of those impacted by cancer across the region.
This year’s theme, “Hope Grows,” reflects the ongoing journey of healing and the power of the arts in overcoming the challenges a cancer diagnosis can bring. Painting, meditation and gardening were all cited as therapeutic options for healing. The evening served as a meaningful opportunity to celebrate life’s triumphs while standing together in hope and solidarity.
The featured speaker for the event was Danielle Festa of The Aplomb Project. In 2021, contemporary artist Danielle Festa began painting trauma survivors to honor their resilience and strength. With the support of a dedicated board, The Aplomb Project has grown into a powerful initiative that uses art to foster hope, healing, and connection. Through this work, individuals are given an opportunity to see their experiences reflected in a meaningful and affirming way, helping to celebrate strength, resilience, and the ongoing journey of recovery.
The evening’s message of hope and healing was reflected throughout the program and shared experiences, underscoring the importance of compassion, connection, and community support in the survivorship journey.
St. Joseph Hospital extends sincere gratitude to the generous sponsors who made this year’s event possible: Triangle Credit Union, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, The Telegraph, and Fortin Gage.
“The Survivorship Ribbon Gala is a deeply meaningful event for our patients, families, and care teams,” said Annette Tietz, Director of Specialty Services and host of the evening. “It is a celebration of hope, resilience, and the incredible strength of cancer survivors in our community. We are honored to celebrate the victories throughout their journey and to recognize the courage each person brings to this moment.”
The Survivorship Ribbon Gala continues to serve as a signature event for St. Joseph Hospital, highlighting its commitment to compassionate cancer care, survivorship support, and community connection.