Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day on May 31st
WILLIMANTIC, CT, May 8, 2009 – Residents of the Windham area are invited to join in the celebration on National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD), Sunday, May 31, 2009, as Windham Hospital, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, hosts a “Celebration of Life,” giving voice to the millions of people who have been touched by cancer. The event will run from 1- 3 pm. NCSD is an annual, worldwide celebration of life that is held in hundreds of communities throughout the world. Cancer survivors, caregivers, family members, friends, and healthcare professionals will unite in this symbolic event to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality.
Dr. Gina Barreca, well-known author and humorist, serves as the keynote speaker for the event, which will also include “music, food, fun and inspiration,” says Palonen. The American Cancer Society will have important support services information on hand. Together the Hospital and the ACS will be hosting an “International Tea” for the survivors this day.
“This event will lift your spirits because you can learn how surviving cancer is an attitude about life and living each day to the fullest,” says Carol Palonen RN, NCSD coordinator for Windham Hospital. “You will find our community’s NCSD event filled with joy, camaraderie, hope, compassion, faith, and love as we honor cancer survivors for their strength and courage. We will also recognize the contribution of their families, friends, and healthcare providers and call attention to the issues of cancer survivorship.”
A cancer survivor is defined by the NCSD Foundation as anyone living with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. Approximately 10.5 million Americans are now living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer. In the United States, almost half of all men and one-third of all women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Palonen comments, “We need to learn as much as possible about this disease because many forms of cancer can be prevented and most cured if detected early. Major advances in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment have resulted in longer survival, and therefore a growing number of cancer survivors. Despite the adversities they face, these people continue to show resilience by living active, productive lives,” says Carol Palonen RN NCSD Coordinator. “They face each day with courage and dignity in their fight against cancer and serve as an inspiration to all of us.”
This year’s National Cancer Survivors Day “Celebration of Life” is sponsored by Eileen Ossen in memory of Jeffrey P. Ossen, and will be held at Windham Hospital 112 Mansfield Avenue, Willimantic, on May 31st, from 1 - 3 pm. For questions, or pre-registration, please contact Carol Palonen at 860-456-6896 or email her at cpalonen@wcmh.org. |