National Cancer Survivors Day Celebrations
CANCER CARE N.S.--National Cancer Survivors Day Celebrations Slated For Halifax
Exhibition Park in Halifax will provide the backdrop for a celebration of life, as family and friends come together to mark National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, June 1.
Twenty-four thousand Nova Scotians who are living with cancer could participate in the event, scheduled to take place between 2 and 4 p.m. The celebration, with generous support from presenting sponsor Ortho Biotech (Canada), is free and everyone is welcome.
"Cancer touches each of us in some way," said Emmie Luther-Hiltz, co-ordinator, Cancer Patient Family Network, Cancer Care Nova Scotia. "This family celebration is important for all of us. It's important for survivors. It's important for our family and friends. It's important for all of us who have lost someone to cancer. And it's important to remind ourselves that there is hope for the future. With advances in research and treatment, there is much to celebrate."
Terry Kelly, well-known Nova Scotia musician and cancer survivor, will headline an afternoon of entertainment. He will be joined by The Nova Scotia Mass Choir, The Cottars, and the Green School of Irish Dancing.
"Ortho Biotech considers support of health-care programs a critical part of its community relations program," said Kathleen Whelan, director of community relations, Ortho Biotech. "We are pleased to support this special event which provides an opportunity for friends and family to come together and recognize cancer survivors and remember those who have lost their fight against cancer."
The family-oriented afternoon will include a candle-lighting ceremony to honour those touched by cancer and a message of inspiration and hope delivered by cancer patient and advocate, Helen Densmore Cleary. Health professionals who have provided exemplary care will also be recognized at the celebration.
This is the second year that Cancer Survivors Day celebrations have been held in Halifax. Cancer Care Nova Scotia wanted to celebrate survivors and to mark National Cancer Survivors Day. The organization began to work with the Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division and Caring for Cancer Patients in 2002 to plan the first Nova Scotia event of this magnitude.
"Cancer touches all of us either directly or indirectly. In 2003 alone, it is estimated that 5,000 Nova Scotians will be diagnosed with some form of cancer," said Maureen Summers, executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division. "National Cancer Survivors Day provides the opportunity to celebrate life, honour those who have experienced cancer and recognize the important role of family, friends and health-care professionals in the lives of cancer survivors."
"It's extremely important for patients and their families to have hope," said Brenda Whittle, founder of Caring for Cancer Patients. "Having hosted similar events for patients and families, I see how important it is to celebrate life. Survivors Day gives everyone concerned both hope and comradeship through their cancer journey."
National Cancer Survivors Day 2003 will be marked by thousands of people in more than 700 communities throughout North America. It's a day to honour those around the world who are living with a history of cancer. It's also an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of their families, friends and health-care providers.
Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the Department of Health, created to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families and the health-care system through prevention, screening, education and research.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers, whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.
Caring for Cancer Patients is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides individual and group counselling for patients and their families, seminars, training for health professionals, coping and self-esteem workshops for cancer patients and resource materials on cancer.
Ortho Biotech (Canada) - a Division of Janssen-Ortho Inc.- is a biopharmaceutical health-care company and the leader in the treatment of anemia.