CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, will hold its eighth annual Cancer Survivors Day on June 7.
National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual worldwide event celebrating life after a cancer diagnosis. It is a free event for anybody who has been touched by cancer and an event at which cancer survivors can mingle and share their stories.
“Everyone likes to know they are not alone,” said Barry Asch, assistant vice president of cancer services at the Statesir Cancer Center at CentraState. “A lot of strength comes from talking to each other and sharing their stories and experiences.”
National Cancer Survivors Day defines a survivor as anyone living with a history of cancer from the moment of diagnosis onward. The event will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at CentraState’s Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus, 901 W. Main St., Freehold Township. There will be a brunch and music.
The theme of this year’s event is “Supporting Survivorship Through the Power of Community-Based Cancer Care.”
“We wanted to appeal to the entire group, not just people with breast cancer or prostate cancer,” Asch said.
Speakers will be CentraState clinicians who will focus on health, specifically nutrition and physical fitness.
Janie Martino will be attending Cancer Survivors Day for the third time.
“The event is tremendous. It is well-organized, and it is great to speak to different people and survivors. You can share your stories with them,” Martino said. “Just being there is moving because you survived.”
In January 2012, Martino was diagnosed with lung cancer. After the disease spread to her lymph nodes, she was given between nine months and one year to live.
“We are all miracle stories there,” she said.
According to Martino, the guests sign a board and take a group picture.
“You are proud you are there and that you are still alive,” she said.
Terri Hines will be attending the event for the first time and said she is excited about meeting other cancer survivors and talking with them.
In 2009, Hines was diagnosed with breast cancer. She initially declined to go to therapy groups, support groups and related functions.
“I wasn’t ready, but now it is six years after my diagnosis and I am in a better place psychically, emotionally and psychologically,” Hines said. “I think it is the right time for me to go because everything is behind me. I am ready to share my story.”
To register for Cancer Survivors Day, call 866-236-8727.
— Peter Elacqua