Share
Print
RSSNational Cancer Survivors Day® is Sunday, June 5, 2011
America's 12 million cancer survivors will join survivors around the world in observing the 24th annual National Cancer Survivors Day® on Sunday, June 5, 2011. Hundreds of communities worldwide will host events on this day to celebrate life and demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive.
National Cancer Survivors Day is a treasured annual celebration of life. Joy and hope, camaraderie and faith, and triumph over adversity will be on full display. It is a day for everyone, whether you're a cancer survivor, a family member, a friend, or a medical professional. This day provides an opportunity for cancer survivors to connect with other survivors, and recognize the healthcare providers, families, and friends who have supported them along the way. NCSD activities will be as diversified as the towns and cities where the events are held and will include parades, carnivals, races, art exhibits, ball games, contest, dances, inspirational programs and more.
The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, administrator for the celebration, is encouraging everyone to participate in their community’s event. To locate the one nearest you, check with your local cancer treatment center, hospital, or American Cancer Society office. You can also download a free planning guide at ncsd.org if you’re interested in hosting an event. “Come join in the fun and see for yourself that life can go on, and is sometimes even enhanced by a cancer diagnosis,” says Foundation spokesperson, Paula Chadwell.
NCSD started in the United States and is now worldwide, says Chadwell, and it is observed in countries as far away as Australia, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
“The accomplishments of modern science are evident in the ever growing cancer survivor population. Addressing the poorly understood needs of these survivors is becoming a formidable challenge.”
The non-profit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation supports hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events in their communities, by providing free guidance, education and networking. Its primary mission is to educate the public on the issues of cancer survivorship in order to better the quality of life for cancer survivors.
“A ‘survivor’ is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life,” as defined by the Foundation. Cancer survivors may face many challenges such as hindered access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate or no insurance, financial hardships, employment problems, and psychological struggles. “Despite these difficulties, cancer survivors can live active, productive lives,” says Chadwell.
The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, along with NCSD 2011 national sponsors Bristol-Myers Squibb, Coping® With Cancer magazine, and Lilly Oncology, is encouraging a greater commitment to resolving the issues of cancer survivorship. “More resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation is needed to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors,” says Chadwell. “The accomplishments of modern science are evident in the ever growing cancer survivor population. Addressing the poorly understood needs of these survivors is becoming a formidable challenge.”
To find out more about National Cancer Survivors Day, visit www.ncsd.org.
About the National Sponsors
The National Sponsors for National Cancer Survivors Day 2011 are:
Bristol-Myers Squibb (www.bms.com), Coping® With Cancer, the magazine for people whose lives have been touched by cancer (www.copingmag.com), and Lilly Oncology (www.lillyoncology.com).
More information on cancer and cancer survivorship:
National Cancer Survivors Day: www.ncsd.org
National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov
American Society of Clinical Oncology: www.cancer.net
American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures: http://www.cancer.org/Research/CancerFactsFigures/index
American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
