Families, Friends and Survivors to Unite for 19th Annual Cancer Survivors Day Celebration

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

ROCHESTER, Minn. — State and regional cancer survivors, their families and friends will come together to celebrate life during the upcoming 19th annual National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration, Sunday, June 4. National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual celebration that is held in more than 700 communities throughout the United States and Canada.

The celebration, which is co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Mayo Clinic, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Mayo Civic Center Auditorium. Free to all attendees, the celebration will include a catered lunch at noon, followed by a program celebrating cancer survivorship. There will be music and entertainment, kids' games, bingo and door prizes.

"This celebration of life is for everyone," says Janine Kokal, Mayo Clinic nurse educator and local planning committee chair. "Whether you're a cancer survivor, a family member, a friend or a medical professional, National Cancer Survivors Day provides an opportunity for cancer survivors to connect with other survivors, and reunite with medical staff and families they've met along the way. Having the opportunity to meet other cancer survivors, especially the many long-term survivors, is an inspiring experience for all of us."

Five hundred people are expected to attend the event. Reservations are required by Friday, May 26. To register, please call the American Cancer Society at 888-535-4227 (toll free). Media members wishing to cover the event should call 507-284-5005.

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