Windham Area Residents Invited to Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day on June 1st
WILLIMANTIC, CT, May 23, 2008 – Residents of the Windham area are invited to join in the celebration on National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD), Sunday, June 1, 2008, 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 Noon until 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.
“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.”
Dr. Gina Barreca, well-known author and humorist, serves as the keynote speaker for the event, which also includes a special program called “Wind over Wings.” This program is designed for cancer patients, and uses rehabilitated golden and bald eagles, as well as other rehabilitated birds. Their stories are compelling and an extraordinary experience for all. The afternoon will also include the music of The Willimantic Jazz Amphibian Ensemble, and vocalist Tre Johnson, and there will be “music, food, fun and inspiration,” says Palonen.
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 RV 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 and Elizabeth Ossen in memory of Jeffrey P. Ossen, and will be held at Windham Hospital 112 Mansfield Avenue, Willimantic, on June 1st, from 12 noon until 3 pm. For questions, or pre-registration, please contact Carol Palonen at 860-456-6896 or email her at cpalonen@wcmhg.org. |