REGION — Sunday, June 6, 2021, marks the 34th annual National Cancer Survivors Day®(NCSD) – a day when thousands of people in hundreds of communities across the globe hold celebrations to honor cancer survivors and to raise awareness of the challenges of cancer survivorship. According to Matt Dexter, Executive Director, Christine B. Foundation, located in Bangor: “Whether you’re a cancer survivor, a family member, friend, or medical professional – National Cancer Survivor Day provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer – including America’s more than 16.9 million cancer survivors – to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way. It is also a day to remember those cancer survivors we have lost.”
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. Major advances in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment have resulted in longer survival. However, a cancer diagnosis can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, financial, and emotional hardships often persist for years after diagnosis and treatment. Survivors must contend with rapidly rising drug costs, inadequate insurance coverage, difficulty finding or keeping employment, and a lack of understanding from family and friends. “Despite the numerous obstacles they face, cancer survivors live full, active lives and are an inspiration to all of us,” said Delores Landry, Executive Director of Sarah’s House, in Holden. “NCSD is an opportunity for our community to stand with them and help find ways to lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis.”
In February 2018, a network of nine Maine cancer support organizations, providing free services,, came together to form the Association of Maine Cancer Support Centers (AMCSC), “whose goal is to expand the availability of support services and programs to all Mainers impacted by cancer, and share best practice”, said Wendy Tardif, Executive Director of the Dempsey Center, located in Lewiston & South Portland. “The AMCSC was born out of work related to Maine’s Impact Cancer Network, which is funded and supported by Maine Cancer Foundation (MCF). MCF also provides backbone support for the new Association of Maine Cancer Support Centers.”
AMCSC members are collaborating to offer a variety of recorded virtual workshops in recognition ofNCSD, which will be available on the AMCSC website throughout the weekend of June 4th to June 6th. “We are excited about the Association and the opportunity to work together on this special event,” said Michael Reisman, Executive Director of the Beth C. Wright Cancer Center, located in Ellsworth. “The AMCSC will offer survivor interviews, healthy cooking demonstrations, wellness activities, and other great information that we hope will encourage people to stay active, eat healthy, and explore activities that can help reduce stress.”
“Life after cancer is more than just surviving,” said Diane Madden, Executive Director of the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, located in Norway. “It’s about living well. And that’s something to celebrate!”
Please visit www.ncsd-maine.com throughout the weekend of June 4th -6th to join in Maine’s celebration of National Cancer Survivor Day.
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