The Cancer Center at MidState Medical Center announces its annual Cancer Survivors’ Day to be held on Sunday, September 13, 2009, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event will once again be held at Meriden’s own Hubbard Park, where a large tent will be constructed to accommodate nearly 300 survivors and their families.

Cancer Survivors’ Day is a national event traditionally celebrated the first Sunday in June. MidState, however, chooses to celebrate the day in September to give it added distinction among all of the other cancer-related events that take place during the month. Staff wants the day to have only one focus: “This is a celebration of life,” said MidState’s breast care coordinator, Kathy Clements, RN, ON-C, BHPN-C.

Cancer survivors are encouraged to bring their family and friends to share in the day. Activities for children include face painting, balloon animals, and caricature drawings. Survivors can treat themselves to a relaxing chair massage; and of course, musical entertainment and refreshments can be enjoyed by all. MidState’s own “Lewis Avenue” will kick off the program with a pre-hour of music.
Both survivors and caregivers will share how cancer has changed their lives and offer inspirational messages and words of wisdom to others.

Cancer Survivors’ Day was initiated in 1993 when MidState was known as Veterans’ Memorial Medical Center. It wasn’t until 2003 that the event returned annually thanks to Clements and MidState’s oncology social worker, Diane Lafferty, LCSW. The event has grown exponentially since its inception, once attracting 40 people and now drawing over 250.

“Caregivers are especially encouraged to attend,” said Lafferty. Their tremendous support and advocacy for the patient are great contributors to the healing process, and they, too, should take part in the celebration of life.”

For more information or to register for Cancer Survivors’ Day, please contact the Cancer Center at MidState at 203-694-8353. Registration is preferred.