Queens Event Honors Cancer Survivors, Calls for Research Funding

The Arts4All Foundation joined NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, the Queens Cancer Center, SHAREing and CAREing, elected officials, healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, caregivers, and community members on June 29, 2026, to commemorate National Rose Month and National Cancer Survivors Month.

Observed each June, National Cancer Survivors Month recognizes the resilience and achievements of cancer survivors, while National Rose Month celebrates the rose as a symbol of public service, courage, peace, justice, and community. Event organizers noted that roses are also used by many cancer survivors to raise awareness and express support for those undergoing treatment and recovery.

Dr. Sumita SenGupta, founder of the Arts4All Foundation and organizer of the event, said, “We are commemorating National Rose and Cancer Survivors Month at a pivotal time when more than 18 million Americans are living with cancer, all while we are seeing unpredicted federal cuts to lifesaving cancer research and essential health resources and an increase in federal spending on vanity projects that are drastically changing areas, including the rose garden, which holds important historical and cultural significance.”

Dr. SenGupta said the organization stands in solidarity with cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, physicians, nurses, healthcare workers, oncology researchers, hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities while calling for bipartisan support to restore funding for oncology research and cancer care. She said sustained federal investment has been critical to advances in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

She also cited recent reductions in federal funding for cancer research and public health, while criticizing increased spending on renovation projects. According to Dr. SenGupta, the reductions have affected cancer research grants, clinical trials, and healthcare providers, including local organizations such as the Queens Cancer Center, one of Queens Hospital’s four Centers of Excellence, and SHAREing and CAREing, a Queens-based nonprofit that provides cancer support services.

Dr. SenGupta noted that more than 1.2 million cancer survivors live in New York State and that approximately 10,900 Queens residents are diagnosed with cancer each year, making it the borough’s second-leading cause of death.

Dr. Ellen Hagopian, director of the Queens Cancer Center at Queens Hospital Center, who was also honored during the event, said, “Here at the Queens Cancer Center, survivorship begins at diagnosis, where we make healthcare equity, comprehensive treatment, and wellness a priority to support patients, families, and their caregivers every step of the way. I am proud to lead and work with a dedicated medical team of healthcare professionals who are all deeply committed to cancer prevention during the diagnosis stage and offer the most innovative and technologically advanced cancer treatment to ensure all of our patients have no barriers to equity in services and receive the highest quality of cancer care available in the country. I thank Dr. Sumita SenGupta and all of the survivors here today for joining Queens Hospital Center in celebrating National Rose and Cancer Survivors Month.”

The program featured presentations by oncology specialists highlighting cancer prevention, early detection, advances in research, and survivorship care. Hagopian also spoke about the services and treatment available through NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. Hematologist-oncologist Dr. Tarun Wasil discussed cancer prevention and the importance of early detection, while hematologist-oncologist Dr. Jagmohan Kalra highlighted recent developments in cancer research and offered guidance on how caregivers can support survivors during remission.

The Arts4All Foundation recognized cancer survivors Taquoia Jones, Anna Kril, Kimberly Alicea, Sue Ann Chong, Harcharan Singh Bagga, and Allison Alexis. Healthcare honorees included Dr. Wasil, Dr. Kalra, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Chief Executive Officer Neil J. Moore, Dr. Hagopian, and Cleon Edwards.

Among the elected officials in attendance were Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Assemblymembers Larinda Hooks, David Weprin, and Edward Braunstein, Assemblywoman-elect Samantha Kattan, State Committee Member-elect Imran Raman, and former Councilmember candidate Japneet Singh. According to the organizers, they were recognized for supporting legislative and budget initiatives to expand cancer resources for NYC Health + Hospitals and improve patient access to cancer care.

Anna Kril, president and founder of SHAREing and CAREing and a two-time breast cancer survivor, said, “I thank Dr. Sumita SenGupta, the Arts4All Foundation, and the Queens Cancer Center for their unwavering support for cancer survivors and this incredible honor. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I helped launch SHAREing and CAREing. As we know, survivorship is not just the end of treatment but a lifelong journey that requires continuous healthcare, wellness, emotional, financial, and community support, and we strive to continue to advocate for funding and survivor empowerment to ensure no survivor is ever alone in their journey.”

Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “Congratulations to all of the cancer survivors, whose journeys of resilience and tireless advocacy remind us all of the power that collective organizing has in building community, hope, and meaningful change. It is their incredible journeys that have inspired Dr. Ellen Hagopian and the entire medical team at the Queens Cancer Center and Dr. Sumita SenGupta with the Arts4All Foundation to be fearless advocates for the health and wellness of cancer survivors and all New Yorkers. As the federal administration continues to gut resources used for cancer treatment, research, and development, we at the state level are committed to making life-saving cancer care more equitable, affordable, and accessible for all New Yorkers.”

Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks, whose daughter Taquoia Jones was diagnosed with cancer at birth, said, “Behind every cancer survivor, there is a silent story of resilience built on the survivor’s own unwavering strength to triumph over their adversities. I have witnessed this firsthand with my beautiful daughter, whose never-give-up attitude has led her to be a beacon of hope in our community, and I couldn’t be more proud of her for sharing her cancer journey with the world for the first time today. I am continually inspired by her and all of the cancer survivors here, and I thank Dr. Sumita SenGupta and the Queens Cancer Center for organizing this heartfelt program and, most importantly, breaking down the barriers to cancer care, empowering survivors at every stage of their journey.”

Taquoia Jones, who was honored during the event, said, “It is not easy to share my story for the first time today, but I sincerely believe that no one should ever have to cope with cancer alone. I was born with cancer, something that no child should ever have to endure, but what I have learned is that our diagnosis does not define the lives we can live. I am able to work a great job, serve my community, and have meaningful relationships in my life because survivorship has instilled hope, courage, and faith in me, and every hardship has served as a building block for the person I have become.”

Assemblyman David Weprin said, “I am proud to celebrate National Rose and Cancer Survivors Month with the Arts4All Foundation and NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. I thank Dr. Sumita SenGupta for bringing us all together to honor and support our Queens cancer survivors, healthcare workers, and caregivers who embody everything we should aspire to be—hopeful, resilient, compassionate, and community-minded.”

Assemblyman Edward Braunstein said, “National Rose and Cancer Survivors Month are a time to reflect and honor the resilience of our brave survivors and healthcare workers who navigate through the journey of survivorship every day. I congratulate all of the honorees and thank Dr. Sumita SenGupta and the Queens Cancer Center for developing a platform where survivors can share, learn, and build a support system that enriches the quality of life of our community.”

The event concluded with a community luncheon sponsored by Akbar Himani, owner of Nanking Restaurant, and a rose-themed cake donated by Kaushal Naik, owner of Hot Breads.

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