Hospital to Host Cancer Survivors Picnic Sunday, June 5
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital will hold a picnic in conjunction with National Cancer Survivors Day® beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 5, on the hospital’s front lawn. MedStar St. Mary’s joins thousands of communities across the globe holding celebrations to honor cancer survivors and to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful, rewarding and even inspiring.
Hosted by MedStar St. Mary’s Cancer Care & Infusion Services (CCIS), the lunch will feature a home-style Southern-cooked meal, entertainment and inspirational speakers.
“Our annual picnic celebrates survivors and families and helps show the community that there is life after cancer and it can be fulfilling and rewarding,” said Joan Popielski, RN, BSN, CRNI, CCIS director.
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. In the United States alone, there are more than 14.5 million people living with a history of cancer.
Major advances in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment have resulted in longer survival, and therefore, a growing number of cancer survivors. 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 may face many challenges, such as limited access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate health insurance, financial hardships, difficulty finding employment, psychosocial struggles, and a lack of understanding from family and friends. In light of these difficulties, our community needs to focus on improving the quality of life for cancer survivors.
“This event is an opportunity to celebrate not just the survivors and those living with cancer, but also their families, friends and caregivers,” said Popielski. “We honor them for their courage and support them in their efforts to return to a happy and fulfilling life.”
For more information about this free event, call CCIS at 301-475-6070.