May 26, 2004
Dana-Farber salutes cancer survivors in June
The voices of survivors will offer inspiration to all through discussion and education June 1-4 as Dana-Farber joins in celebrating the 17th annual National Cancer Survivors Day. Although June 6 is the official day of recognition, the Institute's observance will take place the week before, when more patients and staff are on hand.
The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a "survivor" as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.
Tables will be set up on Dana 1 and 3 for patients, families, and staff to drop by and see and/or hear stories about surviving cancer, in print and on video. Printed resources about survivorship will also be available. All week long, survivors, families, staff, and volunteers may pick up and don a yellow ribbon that symbolizes cancer survival. Cake will be served on June 1, and refreshments will be available all week.
"We want to applaud the strength of our survivors and their families and acknowledge our caregivers, volunteers, scientists, and staff who are helping cancer patients and survivors live as fully as possible," says Lisa Diller, MD, of Pediatric Oncology, who is leading the newly expanded Perini Family Survivors' Center at DFCI.
