LEWISTON — Cancer care providers from the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing, Central Maine Medical Center and Lakes Region Oncology Nursing Society will host a celebration of life on National Cancer Survivors Day, Sunday, June 2, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Dempsey Center, 29 Lowell St.

The event is free and open to cancer survivors, caregivers and loved ones. A keynote presentation from international speaker, writer, comedienne and ovarian cancer survivor, Cathy Kidman, will highlight the afternoon.

Less than two months after her diagnosis and surgery, Kidman fulfilled a long-time dream and began taking stand-up comedy classes. Funny and inspirational, she will share stories from her stand-up experience and discuss how focusing on writing comedy helped her through post-treatment depression and started her on the path to wellness.

Her biggest lessons: there is no right way to live with cancer, and heroic survivorship is overrated.

Thousands of people around the world will observe the 26th annual National Cancer Survivors Day. Hundreds of communities across the U.S. and abroad will hold celebrations to honor cancer survivors and show that there is life after a cancer diagnosis.

“A ‘survivor’ is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life,” according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation.

NCSD provides an opportunity for cancer survivors to connect with other survivors, celebrate milestones, and recognize the healthcare providers, family and friends who have supported them along the way. It is a day for cancer survivors to stand together and show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful, productive and even inspiring.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating cancer survivors, whether they were diagnosed yesterday or 25 years ago,” said Dempsey Center cancer health outreach educator and planning committee chairwoman Maureen Higgins. “Another important facet of NCSD is acknowledging and celebrating the caregivers and loved ones who walked with them.”

The event will also feature mini-classes in yoga, guided imagery and nutritious cooking. Reiki and chair massage sessions will be available along with activities for children and adults.

Preregistration is not required. For more information, contact the Dempsey Center at 795-8250.

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