On Sunday, June 7th, the historic Columbus Park Refectory at 5701 W. Jackson Boulevard in Chicago became the backdrop for an afternoon of healing, celebration, and community. Peer Plus Education & Training Advocates hosted their exclusive VIP Summer Experience — a premium event honoring the 39th Anniversary of National Cancer Survivors’ Day.
For Phyllis L. Rodgers, Founder and CEO of Peer Plus, the occasion carried a significance that went far beyond a summer gathering.
“Commemorating the 39th anniversary of National Cancer Survivors’ Day gives this year’s celebration a profound depth,” Rodgers told 3:16 Magazine. “We are honoring the absolute triumph of the human spirit. This event was for survivors to be pampered, for advocates to connect, and for our community to rally behind the life-saving education and training programs that Peer Plus provides daily.”
A VIP Afternoon to Remember
Guests arrived to an experience thoughtfully designed to entertain, inspire, and uplift. Hors d’oeuvres and handcrafted mocktails set the tone as live entertainment took center stage — including a Michael Jackson tribute performance by “Rico” and a Modern Egyptian Dance lesson led by “Phaedra.” Classic Chicago steppers’ music kept the energy flowing throughout the afternoon.
A Game Truck and Food Truck were on site, and a curated marketplace featured local vendors offering unique products alongside health resources and community information.
Grassroots Impact
Peer Plus Education & Training Advocates is a South Side nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap in public health by transforming survivors into advocates and making health literacy accessible to all. Through healthcare navigation, peer education, and community connection, the organization fosters proactive wellness and lasting hope — one survivor, one neighbor, one event at a time.
The VIP Summer Experience was a celebration of life — and a reminder that in this community, no one faces their journey alone.
