On October 17, 2013, dozens of cancer survivors from Smilow Cancer Hospital, along with family, friends and care-givers, gathered on Water Street in New Haven. The project they participated in was the painting of a Closer to Free wall mural. The message they sent on that day was that cancer can be beaten. And that the world is closer to free.

Take a moment to view the commercials and video featuring the event and three of the many remarkable people involved. Learn of their own personal triumphs over cancer and what inspired them to be part of this emotion-filled day. A day that gave beauty to a neighborhood, joy to dozens who survived cancer and hope to millions more.