Hospital to Celebrate National Cancer Survivors’ Day
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital will join people across the globe in celebration National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, June 7. The day will honor cancer survivors and show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful, rewarding and inspiring.
The public is invited to a picnic at the hospital’s Cancer Care Infusion Services at 1 pm June 7 in the hospital parking lot, featuring a home-style Southern-cooked lunch, entertainment and speakers.
“Come see how life after cancer is more than just surviving. It can be beautiful, abundant, and fulfilling. And that’s something to celebrate,” says Joan Popielski, CCIS Director. “You will find our community’s National Cancer Survivors Day celebration filled with joy, hope, camaraderie, and compassion as we acknowledge our community’s cancer survivors – including those who currently live with cancer. The picnic will recognize the contributions of patient’s families, friends, and healthcare providers as well as raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by cancer survivors today.”
This local event is part of a worldwide celebration coordinated by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation and supported nationally by Coping with Cancer magazine. 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 U.S. alone, there are more than 14 million people living with a history of cancer.
Advances in early detection and treatment mean people are living longer after a cancer diagnosis, so there are more 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 or no health insurance, financial hardships, difficulty finding employment, psychosocial struggles, and a lack of understanding from family and friends. In light of these difficulties, the community can focus on improving the quality of life for cancer survivors.
“Despite the numerous challenges they face, cancer survivors live full, productive lives and serve as an inspiration to all of us,” said Ms. Popielski. “It’s time for our community to stand with them and help find ways to lessen the burdens a cancer diagnosis brings.”
The hospital offers several programs for cancer patients, their family members and friends. The Cancer Support Group is a free group facilitated by associates from the hospital’s CCIS and Case Management departments. Support group meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 pm in the conference room on the second floor of the hospital’s Outpatient Pavilion.
For information on the National Cancer Survivors’ Day picnic or to register for programs for cancer patients, contact Nina Ellis-Hayes, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, Cancer Care Infusion Services by email or call 240-434-7247 / 301-475-6070.
About MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital (MSMH) is a full-service community hospital, delivering state-of-the-art emergency, acute inpatient and outpatient care in Leonardtown. Nestled in a waterside community, MedStar St. Mary’s provides advanced technology with a dedication to excellence in all services provided. The not-for-profit hospital has been named among the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals and is an eight time recipient of the prestigious Delmarva Medicare Excellence Award. In addition, MSMH received the Maryland Performance Excellence Award at the Platinum level in 2014 – the highest in the state. Visit MedStarStMarys.org to learn more.
