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Veterans can now ring the bell at VA Western New York when they finish cancer treatment

The bell now stands on the wall in the VAWNYHS infusion center
The ringing the bell tradition dates to 1996 when U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Irve Le Moyne was undergoing cancer treatment at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. At his last treatment he brought a brass bell with him to ring, keeping with the Navy tradition of ringing a bell when the job was done.
By Mark Richardson, Public Affairs Officer

At cancer treatment centers around the globe, people undergoing radiation or chemotherapy celebrate the end of their treatment by ringing a bell. Now, Veterans at VA Western New York Healthcare System (VAWNYHS) can ring a bell thanks to a generous donation and an employee’s craftsmanship.

The ringing the bell tradition dates to 1996 when U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Irve Le Moyne was undergoing cancer treatment at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.  At his last treatment he brought a brass bell with him to ring, keeping with the Navy tradition of ringing a bell when the job was done.  He donated the bell to the center with a wall plaque with the inscription:


Ring this bell
Three times well
Its toll to clearly say,
My treatment’s done
This course is run
And I am on my way!
-- Irve Le Moyne

Now, VAWNYHS Veterans completing their cancer treatment can ring the bell to celebrate the milestone. 

The bell was donated by the local chapter of the national Zero/Us Too prostate cancer survivors support group and plaque provided by the VAWNYHS Center for Development and Civic Engagement. 

“We were honored to donate the bell and provide an opportunity for Veterans battling cancer a chance to celebrate a milestone in their treatment,” said Bill Krellner, Zero/Us Too Buffalo Chapter Leader. 

A piece of black walnut wood was also donated and through the hard work of VAWNYHS carpenter Derrick Maxon, the wood was sanded, and epoxy coated to mount the bell to.  For Maxon, the project was personal as his wife recently rang the bell where she was undergoing cancer treatment and now through his and others, efforts, VAWNYHS Veterans can do the same. 

“I think it’s awesome. We have never had a bell, and Veterans can go through the process and ring the bell here,” said Maxon. 

The bell now stands on the wall in the VAWNYHS infusion center and every time it rings, it signifies an accomplishment for Veterans battling cancer.