NCSD 2012 – Photos selected for the cover of Coping with Cancer's July/August 2012 celebration issue are from Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital in Penang, Malaysia, Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT, and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago, IL

Aberdeen, MD – These small symbols of hope lit up the dimmed Ripken Stadium during the closing ceremony of Upper Chesapeake Health’s sixth annual National Cancer Survivors Day event.

Alexandria, VA – Participants of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults’ Cancer to 5K program race to the finish line.

Allen, TX – Brenna Moran and Casie Gunstenson are the “game show hostesses” for a ping-pong ball tossing game at the Survivors Day celebration hosted by Allen Pediatrics.

Allentown, PA – Keynote speaker and survivor Brenda Elsagher and oncology gynecologist Dr. Richard Boulay cut-up at Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Survivors Day event.

Baltimore, MD – Guests at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore’s NCSD event draw, write, and decorate their hopes and dreams on paper birds.

Batesville, IN – Emma Bischoff frolics in the bounce house at The Hansen Center’s “A Day on the Red Carpet” celebration. (Photo by Katherine McElhoe)

Baton Rouge, LA – A survivor enjoys a New Orleans-style second line procession at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge’s Fais Do-Do Celebration of Life, which also included Cajun food, music, and dancing. (Photo by Noel Marcantel)

Bennington, VT – Guests have a good time at the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center’s NCSD celebration.

Birmingham, AL – A Birmingham Barons baseball player high fives a celebrant at Regions Park during the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s “Celebrating Life” event. (Photo by Lloyd Beard)

Boca Raton, FL – Elena Shope shows off her painted tile to be added to the Wall of Hope with cancer survivor and radiation oncologist Dr. Clint Shope at the NCSD event hosted by The Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

Bridgewater, NJ – Breast cancer survivor Lizzy Peck and her oncologist, Dr. Deena M. Atieh Graham, share a loving embrace at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Basking Ridge’s NCSD event.

Brooklyn, NY – A speaker engages the crowd at “It’s a Beautiful Day,” the 7th annual NCSD celebration hosted by Women Conquering Cancer, which included dancers, musicians, poems, and games.

Bryan, OH – Program coordinator Sarah Hahn and cancer survivors Elaine Perdue and Kathy Rittenhouse stand strong behind the official NCSD banner at the National Cancer Survivors Day event hosted by Cancer Assistance of Williams County.

Canton, OH – Marvin Fox and survivor Paula Neuhart enjoy learning to drum at the NCSD celebration sponsored by Mercy Cancer Center, which featured inspirational speaker and survivor Vickie Hogan and entertainment from her son, musician and tap dancer Elec Simon.

Cape Girardeau, MO – Survivor Sherry Callow and Cindie Lou entertain the guests with tricks at Saint Francis Medical Center’s baseball-themed National Cancer Survivors Day event, “Strike Out Cancer.”

Chicago, IL – A survivor struts down the red carpet of survivorship at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital’s NCSD event.

Chicago, IL – Survivor Brendan Deely and his son Gabriel sport their hard-earned medals at the finish line of Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University’s “Rock Star”-themed 19th annual Cancer Survivors’ Celebration & Walk.

Chicago, IL – Breast cancer survivor Barbra Watson-Riley celebrates National Cancer Survivors Day with her sorority sisters Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. from Northwestern University.

Chicago, IL – Dr. Gerald Sunko, Margaret McDermott, cancer survivor Margaret Slowik, Dr. Korathu Thomas, and Sandra Bruce are in their Sunday best at the 19th annual Cancer Survivors’ Mass of Healing and breakfast hosted by Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center.

Conroe, TX – Jon McDonald celebrates one year of remission from Hodgkin lymphoma at the Bill Crews Remission Run.

Cooperstown, NY – Taylor Hitchcock shows off her wild balloon hat and big smile at Bassett Cancer Institute’s NCSD celebration.

Dallas, TX – Administrators of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center take a break from the Survivors Day festivities to have a serious discussion.

Dallas, TX – Enticing treats are provided to guests at the NCSD celebration hosted by Texas Oncology at Medical City Dallas’s Health Information department.

Danbury, CT – A cancer survivor and physician share a hardy laugh at “The Healing Power of Humor” presentation hosted by Danbury Hospital, where guests engaged in laughing exercises.

Denver, CO – John Arceneaux lovingly embraces his wife, Renee, a kidney cancer survivor, at The Urology Center of Colorado’s 4th annual “Patient Survivorship Picnic.”

East Stroudsburg, PA – Survivors Sandy Hrabina and Tom Quinn share a hardy laugh as they clown around at the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center of East Stroudsburg’s “Casino Royale”-themed NCSD event.

Eatontown, NJ – Survivors, family, and friends walk for their health at the Cancer Support Community of the Jersey Shore’s NCSD Wellness Walk.

Fairfield, CA – Peter Hansen and Charlene Thompson share a moment at NorthBay Cancer Center’s “Passport to Celebration of Life.”

Fairmont, WV – Cancer survivor Sharleen Hammill passes the Light of Hope in the candle lighting ceremony to survivors Arden Fisher, Ronald Speelman, and Carole Sago at the Sharing and Caring Cancer Support Group’s 16th annual Celebration of Life.

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Chaplain Margaret Kimber, Strawberry the Clown, Dr. Christina Austin-Valere, Bella the Clown, and Debbie Cerrito show off big smiles during the festivities at the Celebration of Life hosted by Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross Hospital

Fort Myers, FL – Cancer survivors (and sisters) Melissa Kramer and Wendy Shraiar exchange spirited high-fives at the Survivors Day celebration hosted by the Regional Cancer Center of Lee Memorial Health System.

Fort Smith, AR – Radiation oncologist Dr. Kris Gast finishes her “History of Cancer” presentation with the help of a few friends at the National Cancer Survivors Day event hosted by the Reynolds Cancer Support House.

Fort Worth, TX – “Sugar Lump” paints a young boy’s face at Cancer Care Services’ “Going for the Gold” celebration, which featured special guest, Olympic Gold Medalist and cancer survivor, Doug Russell. (Photo by Emily Hughes)

Frederick, MD – Cancer survivor Shirley Baker models bright novelty sunglasses for a friend at Frederick Regional Health System’s Survivors Day.

Freehold, NJ – Survivors gather at CentraState Medical Center’s fifth annual Survivors Day luncheon, which included a keynote address from survivor Aubrey Barr. (Photo by Valorie Howell)

Galesburg, IL – Arthur Cartee and his guide dog, Bernie, enjoy their time together at Western Illinois Cancer Treatment Center’s 20th annual Cancer Survivors Celebration, “Laughter Is the Best Medicine,” which featured live music from The Beatle Invasion.

Glen Mills, PA – Riddle Hospital’s Cancer Center mascot “Quaker” and Dennis Burt revel in a day of fun at the Survivors Day walk and duck race.

Globe, AZ – Family and friends support a father and carcinoid cancer survivor (in the purple shirt) at Relay for Life in honor of NCSD.

Golden, CO – Dr. Rebecca Knight gets groovy with a survivor at Red Rocks Cancer Center’s psychedelic 60s-themed “Groovy Celebration of Life and Hope.” (Photo by Gary Caskey)

Grand Rapids, MI – Bill Van Setten and survivors Judy Van Setten and Lena Kamp kick up their heels to celebrate the Dutch Klompen for Life hosted by Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, which featured authentic Dutch food and a presentation on Dutch history and traditions. (Photo by Alice St. Clair)

Grand Rapids, MI – Engina Riu receives a relaxing mini manicure at the National Cancer Survivors Day celebration sponsored by Spectrum Health, where guests also enjoyed live music and pinned ribbons to the Survivor Tree.

Hamilton Square, NJ – Breast cancer survivors hold their flowers high at the “Paddle for Pink” Dragon Boat Festival hosted by The Machestic Dragons – Princeton Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team.

Hazleton, PA – John and Libby Guba enjoy the delicious food at the Survivors Day celebration hosted by the Geisinger Hazleton Cancer Center.

Honolulu, HI – Attendees at the American Cancer Society’s Camp Anuenue celebrate NCSD.

Houston, TX – Eric Shanteau, testicular cancer survivor, 2008 Olympic swimmer, and World Record holder, and Nancy Tucker, CanCare president and a thyroid cancer survivor, are all smiles at the “Celebrating Cancer Survivorship” event sponsored by CanCare. (Photo by Kevin McGowan)

Houston, TX – Guests check into the NCSD celebration sponsored by the Metropolitan Baptist Church with smiling faces.

Houston, TX – Nancy Moncrief, a three-time cancer survivor, and her son Logan dance the night away at CancerForward’s black tie dinner dance.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – A staff member of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre serves the tasty cake for the NCSD guests.

Kansas City, MO – Hodgkin lymphoma survivor Linda Hanley snaps a photo of smiling breast cancer survivors Melanie Bowman and Dolores Kitchin wearing their official NCSD survivor buttons at the 27th annual Celebration of Life Rally sponsored by the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation. (Photo by Linda Hanley)

Kansas City, MO – Veteran and cancer survivor Mark Steele shares his inspiring story at the Cancer Survivor Park during the Kansas City Veterans Administration Medical Center’s NCSD ceremony, which ended with guests blowing bubbles to celebrate their “breath of life.”

Lahaska, PA – Massage therapist Patty Bauer melts away guests’ stress and tension with soothing mini massage treatments at Skin ‘n Tonic Spa Salon & MedSpa’s “An Afternoon of Pampering & Fun!”

Lakeland, FL – Guests release butterflies at Lakeland Regional Cancer Center’s “Hope Blooms” Survivors Day event.

Lansing, MI – A volunteer lends a helping hand at the Survivor Bag Creation Station at Sparrow Cancer Center’s 18th annual Survivors Day picnic.

Las Cruces, NM – Celebrants of the “Cancer Across Cultures” National Cancer Survivors Day event hosted by Memorial Medical Center fashion themselves as an awareness ribbon.

Las Vegas, NV – Survivors join the fun at the fourth annual Survivors Day luncheon sponsored by the Extended Hands Cancer Ministry, CDC, which included a meal from Outback Steakhouse and Walmart gift cards for the survivors and caregivers.

Latham, NY – Speaker Bernice Lamont brought her supportive friends and family to celebrate NCSD at the celebration hosted by New York Oncology Hematology – Latham.

Latham, NY – Bonnie Ridell and Syd Hill enjoy themselves at the New York Oncology Hematology Latham Cancer Center’s Survivors Day event.

Laurinburg, NC – Staff members show off their tie-dyed shirts and peace signs at Scotland Cancer Treatment Center’s 60s-themed National Cancer Survivors Day event, which included food, awards, and live music.

Lima, OH – Celebrants cut loose during Dave Caperton’s presentation at Lima Memorial Health System’s 18th annual event.

Louisville, KY – Survivors and caregivers attend the famed Churchill Downs for Norton Cancer Institute’s NCSD celebration, which featured a race in the survivors’ honor. (Photo by Reed Palmer)

Macon, GA – Breast cancer survivor Barbara Dooley encourages and inspires the audience at the Medical Center of Central Georgia’s NCSD luncheon.

Memphis, TN – Attendees enjoy the festivities at the Cancer Survivor’s Park for the Celebration of Life hosted by the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Foundation.

Metairie, LA – Attendees celebrate beating cancer with a New Orleans-style second line parade at the NCSD celebration sponsored by the East Jefferson General Hospital, the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Ochsner Medical Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, LSU Health Science Center, and Four-o’clock Flowers Around the World Cancer Memorial.

Miami, FL – Young survivor Liz Laatz explores the Miami Children’s Museum for the Survivors Day celebration hosted by the Miami Children’s Hospital.

Muncie, IN – Ovarian cancer survivor Kay Stickle encourages attendees to see the humor in life at the “Look How Far We’ve Come” NCSD event sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Cancer Center, and Cancer Services of East Central Indiana.

Munster, IN – Celebrants unite at the NCSD celebration sponsored by The Community Hospital of Munster and St. Catherine Hospital of East Chicago, which featured a buffet lunch, healing massages, live music, and gifts for cancer survivors.

Myrtle Beach, SC – Cancer survivor Carol Giannini wears her Survivors Day medal proudly after her passionate speech at the “Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Survival” event hosted by the Carolina Cancer Foundation and Coastal Cancer Center.

New Brunswick, NJ – An attendee raises her arms during a LIVESTRONG exercise program at the “iSurvive ... iThrive!” celebration sponsored by The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. (Photo by Kim Sokoloff)

New York, NY – Cancer survivor Brittany Avin happily celebrates her survivorship at the Today show on National Cancer Survivors Day.

Norfolk, VA – These two celebrants let loose at the “Celebrating Survivorship through Laughter” event sponsored by the Sentara Cancer Program.

Normal, IL – Cancer survivors stand tall for recognition during the CornBelters baseball game as part of the Community Cancer Center’s Survivors Day celebration.

Oakley, CA – Oakland Raiders unofficial mascot Gorilla Rilla monkeys around with City Manager Bryan Montgomery and Mayor Kevin Romick at the 6th annual event hosted by Lupe Linda Rios.

Oklahoma City, OK – Grammy Award winning singer and prostate cancer survivor Sherman Andrus sings a moving rendition of “You Are So Beautiful” at INTEGRIS Cancer Institute of Oklahoma’s 25th annual NCSD event.

Paramus, NJ – Three breast cancer survivors look pretty in pink in front of the Tree of Survivorship at the 23rd annual celebration hosted by The Valley Hospital, where guests helped create the longest beaded necklace for Guinness World Records.

Penang, Malaysia – Beachwear-clad celebrants enjoy a hula dance in the tropical sunshine at Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital’s National Cancer Survivors Day event.

Pendleton, OR – Donna Goff and Lois Horton blow bubbles at the NCSD luncheon hosted by St. Anthony Hospital.

Philadelphia, PA – Survivors Kathleen Cooke, Olga Gwynn, and Marge Rodgers sing their hearts out at Nazareth Hospital’s “Celebrating Life with a Song in My Heart.”

Philadelphia, PA – Dr. Hugga Bubbe, Kenneth Jameson, and Dr. Silly Reba clown around at the 13th annual celebration hosted by the Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center.

Philadelphia, PA – Jeanne Chavous and Roxana Taveira stand next to an event poster for a photograph at Temple Cancer Center’s National Cancer Survivors Day event, which featured informational booths and a mime troupe.

Pinehurst, NC – Kim Jones, Coretta Watkins, Paul Piantone, Erica Piantone, and Laura Farrell wear their official NCSD t-shirts with pride at FirstHealth of the Carolinas’ celebration.

Pittsburgh, PA – These two attendees of the Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC’s NCSD event show they are number one.

Pittsgrove, NJ – Joe Profetto, Frank Oertle, and Ron Sotak grill up savory hot dogs for guests at the Survivors Day event sponsored by South Jersey Healthcare.

Pomona, CA – James and Cheri Dale enjoy the live music at “Celebrating with a Song in Your Heart” sponsored by Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center’s Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center.

Portland, OR – Young survivor Jordan, with his mother, accepts the youngest survivor gift basket at the National Cancer Survivors Day celebration sponsored by Adventist Health, Compass Oncology, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Legacy Health, Meridian Park Radiation Oncology, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Providence Cancer Center, Randall Children’s Hospital, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Portland Family and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Oregon and SW Washington.

Portsmouth, OH – Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor Melissa Horr and her son delight in the festivities of Dr. Tsuyoshi Inoshita and Dr. Prakash Patel’s Survivors Day picnic.

Quincy, IL – With a big smile, Phyllis Williams rings the gong signaling her survivorship at the event hosted by Blessing Cancer Center.

Reidsville, NC – Survivor Raymond Stanley cheeses for the camera during the Survivors Lap at Relay for Life

Richmond, VA – Cancer survivor Deborah Easter flashes a big smile as she poses with her very own Oscar at the event hosted by Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital.

Rochester, MN – Dr. Robert Kurland creates a balloon masterpiece for Lindsey Schultz at the NCSD event sponsored by the Mayo Clinic Cancer Education Program and the American Cancer Society. (Photo by Theresa M. Gannon)

Scotland, UK – Cervical cancer survivor Suzanne Fernando’s daughters, Aaron and Jordan, show their support on National Cancer Survivors Day.

Scottsdale, AZ – Breast cancer survivor Linda Hudson takes a time out from the festivities at the “Garden of Hope” event sponsored by the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, which included seed planting and beading.

Seattle, WA – Scott Burton, a cancer survivor, comedian, and juggler, goofs around during his presentation at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s “Moving Beyond Cancer to Wellness” Survivors Day event. (Photo by Nylkhalid Jungmayer)

Sheboygan, WI – Ryan Kamien receives a hug from a survivor as a thank-you for his entertainment at Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic and Aurora Health Care’s Survivors Day picnic. (Photo by Christina Marie)

Spartanburg, SC – Beverly Henson-Hicks, director of oncology services, and oncology nurse Lori Anne Morrow look sweet addressing the crowd in their ice cream cone outfits at the “We Are Strong to Savor the Sweet Years” celebration hosted by Gibbs Cancer Center.

Springfield, IL – Participants take turns throwing mulch on an oak tree planted in honor of the cancer survivors at the Survivors Day celebration sponsored by St. John’s Hospital Cancer Institute, which also included face painters, therapy dogs, and the “balloon guy.”

Springfield, MO – Survivors, family, and friends march around Hammons Field before a Springfield Cardinals baseball game for CoxHealthHulston Cancer Center’s Survivors Day celebration.

Stamford, CT – Cancer survivors smile proudly at the 17th annual Hope in Motion Walk, Run & Ride hosted by the Stamford Hospital Foundation, which included a 5K walk, a 5K run, and a 10-, 20-, or 50-mile bike ride.

Stony Brook, NY – Young survivors Taylor Macioce and Jordan Thomas cut loose in the fire truck’s water spray at Stony Brook Cancer Center’s Survivors Day celebration, where celebrants enjoyed a parade, a dunk tank, pony rides, and face painting. (Photo by Lynn Spinnato)

Stuart, FL – A group of The Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Martin Health nurses look festive at the pirate-themed “Treasure Survivorship” event with inspirational speaker and colon cancer survivor Lester Solomon.

Toledo, OH – Guests at The Victory Center’s National Cancer Survivors Day picnic compete in an egg toss.

Toronto, ON, Canada – Guests get active during a Tai Chi workshop at the Princess Margaret Cancer Program and ELLICSR: Health, Wellness & Cancer Survivorship Centre’s “Surviving & Thriving: Celebrating survivor stories through artistic expression.”

Torrance, CA – Survivors wave to the camera at “An Evening of Celebration and Music” sponsored by Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance and Cancer Support Community – Redondo Beach.

Westminster, MD – Attendees show off their skills in the long-jump competition at Carroll Hospital Center’s picnic, which included a Frisbee throw and 50-yard dash.

Williamsport, MD – A participant at Meritus Health John R. Marsh Cancer Center’s “Celebration of Life” picnic gets ready to dig into his delicious meal.

Woburn, MA – Dr. Kelley Cornell, Dr. Delphine Lui, and Dr. Chitra King pass the torch at Winchester Hospital’s Olympics-themed Celebration of Life.

Woodbury, NY – Survivors, friends, family, and healthcare providers eat together and chat at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s National Cancer Survivors Day event.

York, PA – Fans at York Sovereign Bank Stadium applaud the strong cancer survivors taking a lap around the field during York Cancer Center’s NCSD celebration.