Griffin Hospital Celebrating Cancer Survivors Day

DERBY — Griffin Hospital’s celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day, the world’s largest cancer survivor event, will begin at noon Sunday, June 5, in the hospital dining room. All cancer survivors and their family members are invited to join the celebration. This year’s theme is “Another Year of Birthdays.”

Breast Surgeon Dr Zandra Cheng, medical director of the Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, will be the keynote speaker. The event will also feature Sparkles the Clown, a birthday hat fashion show starring some of Griffin Hospital’s therapy dogs, as well as the customary food, fun, and door prize drawings that past years’ attendees have enjoyed at this annual event.

“The event is a gathering where we share camaraderie, hope, compassion, faith, and love as we honor cancer survivors for their strength and courage,” said Doris Fialkovich, RN, the organizer of the celebration.

A cancer survivor, as defined by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, is anyone living with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the rest of their life.

Approximately 12 million Americans are now living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer. In the United States, almost half of all men and one third of all women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.

The event is free, but preregistration is requested by calling Griffin Hospital InfoSource at 203-732-1511.