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National Cancer Survivors Day was begun almost 20 years ago by the founder of H.R. Block. Mr. Block was a cancer survivor and he realized the importance of celebrating survivorship.
I am proud to say that Stony Brook University Hospital, located in Stony Brook, New York (on Long Island), hosted our first ever National Cancer Survivors Day on June 5, 2005. The theme was Carousel of Life. A survivor is defined as anyone living with a history of cancer from the moment of diagnosis... It was a huge success! It was held at Ward Melville High School. Opening remarks were given in the auditorium by the CEO of the hospital, Bruce Schroffel, with relevant statements given by several others, including survivor Renee Scott and a local politician. Registrants were treated to a display of life-size carousel figures featured on MTV. All were invited to meet with the social workers in the Resource room and to pick up literature on survivorship, all types of cancer and were encouraged to have family and friends donate blood at the Long Island Blood Services Blood Mobile. Outside, participants entered the fields through an archway of balloons and feasted on carnival food, such as hot dogs, cotton candy, sno-cones and ice cream. Child Life specialists did face painting; the Silly Magician charmed the crowd with his tricks and balloon creations. Music was provided by A.G.E.S. DJ productions. Games included Chemo Bag Toss, Bed Pan Golf and easily, the favorite game, Dunk a Doc. Stony Brook physicians volunteered to be dunked by those skillful enough to hit the target with a softball (OK, I admit, we cheated a bit and let the little kids walk up and push the target button!) Survivors from age 1 through 89 entered the hula hoop contest, danced the afternoon away, and followed DJ Jason in a wild conga line, replete with straw hats, to visit the fire engine, generously provided by the Setauket Fire Department. Some of the children even got to shoot the fire hose. Stony Brook University Hospital provided an ambulance for safety and provided tours of the equipment. The closing ceremonies included the Parade of Survivors onto the field to the applause and cheers of family, friends and spectators. All survivors received a commemorative pin "I am a survivor" and joined a teen survivor in reciting the Survivor's Promise (see past article). Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article National Cancer Survivors Day in Breast Cancer Research is owned by Linda Bily. Permission to republish National Cancer Survivors Day in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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