Cancer Services held its annual Celebration of Life event on June 5 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in honor of National Cancer Survivors Day, held each year on the first Sunday in June. Event attendees included cancer survivors and their families from throughout the Greater Baton Rouge area. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, cancer survivors were excited to gather for food, fellowship, and fun. In addition, attendees participated in art activities, door prizes, and more.
“While we promote and celebrate cancer survivors every day, I’m so glad we were able to come together, once again, to recognize them for their perseverance,” said Nancy Gosserand, director, Cancer Services.
The purpose of the event was to honor and show support for cancer survivors, which is defined as anyone living with a history of cancer, while also drawing attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship in order to promote more resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation to improve survivors’ quality of life. The afternoon also allowed attendees to acknowledge those who make up a cancer survivor’s support system, including family, friends, and caretakers.
“A cancer battle is difficult in many ways,” Gosserand said. “That’s why it’s critically important to celebrate these patients’ achievements. I also hope this event can serve as a reminder to those going through their own journey with cancer that there is indeed life after diagnosis.”
Gosserand and Shawnda Barrow, client services liaison, are shown with survivors during Cancer Services’ annual Celebration of Life event.