National Cancer Survivors Day: Americans share their stories of survival, strength and love
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Husband, wife, son, daughter, partner, father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, extended family member, friend or neighbor. We all know someone who’s life has been touched by cancer. But thanks to advances in cancer treatment over the years, many more of these loved ones are also survivors. Indeed, there are more than 11 million cancer survivors living in the United States, and incredibly, it is estimated that by 2020 there will be some 20 million people living with a history of cancer.
To celebrate these lives and encourage others in their fight against the disease, June 6 is National Cancer Survivors Day, an annual celebration of life held in communities around the world. The American Cancer Society (ACS), along with many other organizations, has joined in the celebrations today, which also marks the 40 anniversary of their first Hope Lodge where cancer patients and their caregivers stay for free. Hope Lodges can now be found in 20 states and Puerto Rico, and have served more than 50,000 guests last year alone.
In honor of the day, we asked ACS’s active “More Birthdays” Facebook community to weigh in on this question for the Kindness community: “Who would you like to give a shout out to this National Cancer Survivors Day and why?” Within just a few hours, we received over 100 responses. Thanks to everyone that shared their story!
Here are several of their inspiring responses:
Debbie Jo Fonseca
WOULD LIKE TO SEND A SHOUT-OUT TO MY BEAUTIFUL AUNT- TEODORA VILLARREAL. SHE GRACEFULLY DID THE SURVIVOR LAP @ RELAY FOR LIFE A WK AGO TODAY RIGHT AFTER HER LAST TREATMENT!! KUDOS TIA!! AND TO ALL THOSE OTHER SURVIVORS WHO ARE DOING LIFE “GRACEFULLLY..” AMAZING GRACE!!
Mike Laban: To all the Survivors joining us the weekend at our Relay for Life Event – www.relayforlife.org/monroviaca We Relay for each and every one of you!
Susan Spear: Was told 9 years ago that I had 8-18 months to live. Am still here! Not cancer free but living and loving every minute of every day. Celebrate the good days!
Courtney Holcomb Schurr: My mom….she has lung cancer that has spread to her pelvic region. I wish her all the luck and love in the world!! She can win this war!! Good luck to all that are fighting cancer!! Keep strong!
Gloria Hill: I would like to say thank you to my son and daughter in law and all my friends from ARC. I couldn’t of handle this fight without the support I got from everyone.
Beth Kaufman: I would like to give a shout out to my good friend Mary, we met at chemo and w/o her I don’t know that it would have been the same! Thanks Mary, and, we are both survivors now for almost 2 years! Yay for us! Yay for all of the survivors out there, keep up the fight! 
Deborah Reynolds: Shout out for my mom, cousin Christy, and my Aunt Ruby! Tough as nails in their fight with breast cancer. Happy cancer free birthday!
Diane Levin Winger: To my husband, who learned he had prostate cancer almost exactly one year ago. He’s doing great today…just celebrated another birthday last month and looking forward to many, many more.
Angela Liverzani Quartararo: To my boyfriend, for standing by me through my dealings with Breast Cancer….almost 3 years ago.
Michele Yingling: My Shout Outs go to:
My brother, Mark, who last year at this time was battling cancer and this year is cancer free!
My friend Bonnie who is 2 years cancer free.
Ralph & Andrea who are both dear people that are surviving their ongoing battles. Keep up the fight you are ever in my thoughts!
Dara Ashcraft: Mine goes to my Mother who is a colon cancer survivor, all 3 of my grandfathers who lost a battle with lung cancer, my great grandfather who lost his battle with lung cancer, my two great uncles who are currently fighting, and my great aunt who just this Wednesday lost her battle with ovarian cancer!!
To read all of the responses, visit http://www.facebook.com/createmorebirthdays#!/posted.php?id=148685716076&share_id=122356987800218&comments=1#s122356987800218
Readers: We’d love to hear your story. Who would you like to give a shout out to this National Cancer Survivors Day and why?
To keep up with the latest in philanthropy, follow Kindness on Twitter @USATKindness.
Sun, Jun 6, 2010
GOD, Human Kindness