Celebrate National Cancer Survivors’ Day® Saturday, June 1

Holzer Center for Cancer Care will recognize National Cancer Survivors Day® on Saturday, June 1 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm at the Holzer Shelter house, which is located behind the Cancer Center, beside the Hospital on Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, Ohio. Cancer survivors, caregivers, friends and families are welcome to join us for this memorable event.

This annual, worldwide celebration of life is held in hundreds of communities throughout the United States, Canada, and other participating countries. Cancer survivors, caregivers, family members, friends and healthcare professionals will unite to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive.

“Surviving cancer is an attitude about life and living each day to the fullest,” says Ken Moore, Executive Director of the Holzer Center for Cancer Care. “You will find our event filled with joy, camaraderie, hope, compassion, faith and love as we honor cancer survivors for their strength and courage. We will also recognize the contributions of their families, friends and healthcare providers and discuss the issues of cancer survivorship.”

Anyone living with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life, is a cancer survivor, according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation. Over 11 million Americans are now living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer. In the United States, almost half of all men and one third of all women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Learning about this disease is crucial, because many forms of cancer can be prevented and most cured if detected early.

Major advances in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment have resulted in longer survival, and therefore, a growing number of cancer survivors. However, a cancer diagnosis can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, financial and emotional hardships often persist after diagnosis and treatment. Survivors may face many challenges such as hindered access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate insurance, financial hardships, employment problems and psychological struggles. In light of these difficulties, our community needs to focus on improving the quality of life for cancer survivors.

“Despite the adversities, cancer survivors face each day with courage and dignity and serve as an inspiration to all of us,” Moore continued. “We take this time to recognize that inspiration, and show our support of everyone who has been touched by cancer.”

The cancer program at the Holzer Center for Cancer Care has the benefits of an established relationship with a multiple discipline health care system of over 150 Board Certified physicians providing care in more than 30 areas of expertise, and a comprehensive healthcare system providing the entire continuum of care services for the communities we serve. The main Center is located at 170 Jackson Pike in Gallipolis, Ohio, with branch offices in Athens and Jackson, Ohio. The program has been granted three-year Accreditation with Commendation by The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS).

The program is affiliated with the American Cancer Society, and services offered in multiple locations include a Cancer Resource Center (CRC), Patient Navigator and Appearance Center. In addition, the Center collaborates with a monthly cancer support group that is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Holzer Community Health and Wellness, and the Holzer Center for Cancer Care. These programs are available to help cancer patients and their loved ones deal with the daily trials they face.

For more information, please visit holzer.org or call 740-446-3571.