Celebrate Life 2005 Marks National Cancer Survivors Day

Nova Scotians will gather at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax on Sunday, June 5, for an afternoon of music and festivities as they mark National Cancer Survivors Day with Celebrate Life 2005.

Presented by Cancer Care Nova Scotia, this is the fourth year a celebration has been held in Halifax. This year, the event takes place between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

"Celebrate Life is a reminder that there is life after cancer," said Emmie Luther-Hiltz, cancer patient family network co-ordinator, Cancer Care Nova Scotia. "It's an opportunity for us to stop for a moment and celebrate the many people who are surviving their cancer. It's an opportunity to thank family and friends for their support. It's about remembering those who have died. It's about understanding the important role of health professionals who provide cancer care and the many researchers who are working to find cures. Above all, Celebrate Life is about hope for the future."

Nova Scotia musician Terry Kelly, a cancer survivor and honourary event chair, will headline the afternoon's entertainment. He will be joined by Dave Gunning, RyLee Madison and the Sacred Heart Junior Elementary Choir. CBC-TV's Bruce Rainnee will be master of ceremonies.

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 David Mooney, a board member of Cancer Care Nova Scotia and a cancer survivor. David will share his personal experience with cancer, his wonderful sense of humour and the ways he celebrates life each and every day.

"Anyone who is a cancer survivor knows it's something that affects your life forever," said David. "Celebrate Life creates a wonderful sense of community. There's great value in bringing family, friends and neighbours together to celebrate. There is such strength in knowing so many other people have overcome similar challenges."

National Cancer Survivors Day events, like Celebrate Life 2005, will be recognized by thousands of people in communities throughout North America on Sunday, June 5. It's a day to honour those around the world who are living with a history of cancer.

In Nova Scotia, the 28,000 people who are living with, living through or living beyond a cancer diagnosis are invited to join with their families, friends and health providers to celebrate life.

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.