Opening Statement:
In the U.S. alone, there are over 16 million cancer survivors. One or more of them may be people who are close to you, or you may be a survivor yourself. Every year on June 2nd, is all about making cancer survivors feel loved and important, as they are. On this day, the nonprofit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation rallies its forces and resources to promote National Cancer Survivors Day in the U.S. and worldwide, as it has done since 1988. The NCSD Foundation bills the holiday as a “celebration of life” where survivors, described as anyone who has a history of the disease, from the point of diagnosis through the remainder of life. Everyone gathers with friends, families, and supporters to raise awareness, spread information, provide services, and honor other survivors, all to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be full, productive, and more time spent with loved ones.
History Of National Cancer Survivors Day
· The first celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day was held on June 5, 1988. The style of commemoration has always been that of an open network, with local municipalities, hospitals, and other groups all staging such festivities as parades and rallies, individually but concurrently. According to the NCSD website, anyone can register an event and gain the support of the wider organization. The organization offers a range of resources, including a roster of speakers — medical professionals, major and minor celebrities, authors, and more — who are available to help host events in their respective towns and cities.
· NCSD celebrations have also included art exhibits, carnivals, contests, and testimonies by high-profile survivors. In 2008, the fanfare included a commencement by U.S. President George W. Bush side-by-side with the director of the National Cancer Institute.
· Generally, official coverage of National Cancer Survivors Day is provided by the magazine “Coping with Cancer.” During the 2020 celebration, as the magazine reported, many events were canceled or changed to online-only or socially distanced versions, but the day still included a drive-through ‘red carpet’ celebration in Louisville, Kentucky with vehicles all decked out in pink and red; pink corsets and plumage donned in a parade by the New Orleans Pussyfooters in that city; a virtual Ribbon Walk in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and many more unique instances of coming together in solidarity with survivors.
· The process for registering your own NCSD event is easy and streamlined on their web page, ncsd.org, so this coming June, why not join the ranks of survivors and allies in your hometown, in connection with the wider event? Make it a fun and meaningful day.
How To Observe National Cancer Survivors Day
· Attend An Event
Chances are, on National Cancer Survivors Day, there will be one or more themed events in or near your town. Go out and show your support!
· Register And Host an Event of Your Own Design
Especially if you’re honoring a friend or family member that has been diagnosed in their life, creating a brand-new event is a very honorable way of celebrating this important day.
· Spread The Word on Social Media
It’s always a good idea to raise awareness online. Perhaps search for an in-depth article and share it with the hashtag, #NationalCancerSurvivorsDay.
Five Facts About Chemotherapy
1. For some chemotherapy patients, the treatment isn’t as overwhelming as you may think, and it may be possible to maintain a lighter work schedule through your chemo.
2. Not all chemotherapy is intravenous; some types are administered via skin cream or pill.
3. Chemo patients must be prepared for one thing that doesn’t seem fair: some side effects — heart and lung problems, nerve damage, and others — can show up months or years after the original treatment.
4. Side effects like hair loss, fatigue, and others vary widely among patients, with some survivors experiencing few or no side effects at all.
5. Beware if you’ve been on a regimen of vitamin supplements like A, C, and E, since high doses of those and others can interfere with chemotherapy.
Closing Statement and Recap:
Cancer has affected all of us in some form or another either ourselves, family member, close friend, co-worker, etc. Although the news is devastating, in some cases it isn’t the end for someone, or their loved ones. Some medical professionals will use the word ‘cured’ interchangeably with ‘in remission,’ but there is still no true cure for cancer itself. However, the more attention the disease is given, as with NCSD celebrations every June, the closer we get to a viable, across-the-board cure. Despite the serious reason behind this day, when all is said and done, who doesn’t like a parade, a festival, and meeting new people? Smiling faces will always be good therapy for those suffering from illness. Therefore, on this day, all of us please show support to all who have cancer, currently fighting, and who are now living a productive life after cancer treatments.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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