National Cancer Survivors’ Day celebrated June 7th

June 2009

Kanabec Hospital will join America’s 12 million cancer survivors and survivors around the world in observing the 22nd annual National Cancer Survivors Day® on Sunday, June 7.  “A ‘survivor’ is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life,” as defined by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation.

Many members of our community are victorious in their daily battle with cancer. We take this day to celebrate these men and women. Kanabec Hospital’s Pat Runquist, a three-time cancer survivor, says “I felt I didn’t have a choice but to be strong. You have to fight”. This sentiment defines the spirit and optimism that cancer survivors embody.

National Cancer Survivors Day® is an annual, worldwide Celebration of Life that is held in hundreds of communities throughout the United States, Canada, and other participating countries. Participants unite in a symbolic event to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality.

In most areas, National Cancer Survivors Day is traditionally observed on the first Sunday in June, although this is not always possible due to scheduling conflicts and time differences. Celebrating its 22nd year in 2009, NCSD is the world’s largest and fastest-growing annual cancer survivor event.