Ringing the remission bell is a tradition for children with cancer to mark the end of their treatment and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives!
- It’s a sign of a time to celebrate the end of a difficult journey and focus on the future!
- It’s a symbol of accomplishment!
- It’s a source of hope and inspires hope in children towards the future!
The tradition was started at MD Anderson Hospital in 1996. Children’s hospitals often have large gold bells for patients and their families to ring.
Remission means that a child’s cancer symptoms have disappeared or lessened after treatment. However, remission can be partial or complete, and there’s always a risk that the cancer will return. After remission, children have regular follow-up appointments and tests to monitor for any signs of the cancer returning.
Last year, on October 13th, 2024, Senya Smith, an 11 year old girl from Marquette, who has battled cancer since diagnosed in October of 2021, was able to proudly ring the remission bell at the NMU and MSU basketball game in Marquette. Alongside her were four Northwood Airlifeline (NWALL) heroes, the pilots that transported Senya by flight to MOTT in Ann Arbor for the care that she needed!
This is what it means to Ring the Remission Bell!! Congratulations Senya and family!!!
*For more information about the D10 Childhood Cancer program, please visit
uplionsserve.org/childhoodcancer
BY: Lion Chris Smith
