Surviving cancer: Festival of Hope a taste of victory

With a glass of wine raised, Dr. Gordon Koltis dedicated a toast to all cancer survivors who have “fought the battle and won the war.”

Pitt County Memorial Hospital's Cancer Services held its first Festival of Hope on Friday night in an effort to raise money for the Raab Endowed Professorship, cancer awareness and survivorship programs. More than 200 people attended the wine tasting event, held at Yankee Hall.

Koltis, a radiation oncologist with Carolina Radiation Medicine/21st Century Oncology, said most fundraising efforts require formal dress and dinner.

But not this one.

“We wanted something that wasn't the same old thing,” he said. “We wanted to have an event that might be totally unique. Where else can you taste so many wines without having to spend a fortune?”

Fifteen tables featuring samples from different wineries and distributors surrounded the crowd. Vintners offered more than 70 different wine selections, ranging from Merlot to Cabernet Sonoma.

Phyllis DeAntonio, administrator for PCMH Cancer Services, said all proceeds form the event will be directed to support services for cancer patients. Although she did not know the exact total, DeAntonio said the goal of the event was $100,000.

“There are more than 12 million cancer survivors in the U.S., and survivorship programs are on the top of our list of much-needed support services,” she said. “We need to focus on treatment and on how to help develop different programs, such as yoga, journaling, nutrition and exercise.”

Dr. Paul Cunningham, dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, and Dave McRae, chief executive officer of University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina, attended the event.

A wine enthusiast, Koltis explained the proper method of wine tasting before his toast — investigating its color and viscosity, smelling three separate times and then taking a sip.

“I'm sure you all know the purpose is to raise funds for patient cancer services,” Koltis told the audience. “This may pay for services that insurance companies may not pay for. Our mission is to enable people, not disable people, and allow them to enjoy their lives.”