Cancer Bell Rings In Comfort For Cancer Survivors

A new place dedicated to honoring cancer patients opened Saturday in Tyler. A new pavilion on Rose Rudman trail was dedicated to cancer victims, survivors, and their families.

The Tyler Cancer Bell was also rung for the first time. The bell is almost 150 years old, and anyone who has ever been touched by cancer is invited to use the pavilion and bell.

The founder of the cancer bell, Cecelia Bronston, hopes the new bell will be cathartic for people dealing with the disease.

"You need friends to find cancer," he explains. "You also need a place to come quietly reflect, and express how you feel about things. I think the bell is a good way to do that."

"It's loud. It can send a message, and it's a very satisfying thing to do."

The Cancer Bell itself was cast in 1856, in Troy, New York. They suggest the bell can be rung for any reason, whether it's remembrance, congratulations, or encouragement.