Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land is joining nearly 18 million United States cancer survivors and survivors from around the world in celebrating the 36th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day® this year. Also being recognized are the many family members, caregivers and health care providers whose support of cancer survivors help make the celebration possible.
“A diagnosis of cancer can generate many emotions, but survival is about embracing life and living each day to the fullest,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology services. “Our Cancer Survivor’s Day celebration is filled with laughter, camaraderie, hope, compassion, faith, love and music as we honor cancer survivors for their strength and courage.”
Anyone living with a personal history of cancer – starting from the moment of diagnosis – is a cancer survivor, according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation®.
“National Cancer Survivors Day is a great opportunity for cancer survivors, caregivers, friends and family to come together and affirm there can be quality of life after a diagnosis of cancer,” said Sindhu Nair, M.D., board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist.
Additionally, the foundation says more people are surviving cancer than ever before, thanks to advances in prevention, early detection, treatment and follow-up care. Cancer, however, does come with many challenges, such as barriers to care from cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate or no insurance, financial hardships, employment problems and psychological struggles. “Despite these difficulties, cancer survivors can live active, productive lives with the support of other survivors and their caregivers,” said Nair.
Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center welcomes local cancer survivors and one guest to join us as we honor cancer survivors. Themed “Let’s Knock Cancer Out of the Park,” the Cancer Survivors Day Celebration and Resource Fair will begin at 9:30 am, Thursday, June 1st, at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land in the Town Square. News reporter Pooja Lodhia from ABC13 will emcee the event, and in keeping with the baseball theme, the keynote speaker is Dave Dravecky, former MLB pitcher and cancer survivor. Guests will also enjoy lunch and a chance to visit our resource fair and learn more about available resources for navigating their cancer journeys.
Registration is required for each attendee and limited to one caregiver for each survivor. This event is for adults aged 18 and over. Register online at join.houstonmethodist.org/survivor-sl or call 281.274.7500. Please note, masks are not required but are recommended. This is a public event and attendees may be photographed.