Thousands of cancer survivors gathered in Lake Success Saturday to share their stories of survival.

The gathering was part of the annual Cancer Survivors Day for patients of North Shore University Hospital and LIJ Medical Center. This year's event was sponsored by the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation. The Monti family has raised more than $40 million for cancer research, treatment and awareness over the past 40 years.

New York Giants linebacker and cancer survivor Mark Herzlich served as the keynote speaker. He says that being a professional athlete has enabled him to help other cancer patients by giving them hope.

George Costidis, of Carle Place, was among the nearly 2,000 survivors who attended the event. The 18-year-old was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma and was able to beat it. He says the highlight of his day was being allowed to try on Herzlich's Super Bowl ring.

This is the ninth year that survivors from North Shore University Hospital and LIJ Medical Center came together for Cancer Survivors Day.