FirstHealth to Observe Cancer Survivors Day on June 2
| Date Posted: 4/18/2016
PINEHURST – Cancer Survivors Day is observed internationally, and it has special meaning for FirstHealth of the Carolinas.
The FirstHealth event allows cancer survivors and their families to spend quality time – away from the clinical aspects of treatment – with the physicians, nurses, volunteers and others who have assisted them in their cancer journey.
“Cancer Survivors Day is an annual celebration that is held in hundreds of communities nationwide and around the world,” says Matt Sherer, MBA, MHA, administrative director of the Oncology Service Line at Moore Regional Hospital. “It is for those who have survived cancer, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families and an outreach to our community. On this day, we gather to honor cancer survivors and to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful, rewarding and even inspiring.”
The Cancer Services program at Moore Regional Hospital will host its annual Cancer Survivors Day celebration on Thursday, June 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the FirstHealth Conference Center (corner of Highway 211 and Page Road in Pinehurst). The event, based on the theme “Outlive, Outbrave, Outlast and Outshine,” is free and open to cancer survivors and one guest each.
The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a survivor as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.
“Our event honors the survivorship of cancer patients who take pride in their ability to overcome a huge hurdle in their life and to gain motivation from others,” says Margie Thomas, BSRT, (R)(T), clinical director of Moore Regional’s Radiation Oncology department. “The FirstHealth caregivers are especially happy to have the opportunity for this reunion, which gives them living proof of what their professionalism and care have meant to others.”
In addition to activities that will include a photo booth, information table, a healthy food demonstration and a catered meal, the FirstHealth Cancer Survivors Day program will feature guest speaker Hedda Matza-Haughton (also known as “Princess Juicy Joy”). A licensed clinical social worker and breast cancer survivor, she is the founder and president of “For the Health of It” Consultation Services.
A specialist in the area of mind-body communication, Matza-Haughton has appeared on national television and in various newspapers as an authority on stress management, family relationships and interactions, health education and creativity through laughter. She has also done extensive work in creating and developing support programs for survivors of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
During her Cancer Survivors Day visit to Moore Regional Hospital, she will encourage her audience to “Laugh for the Health of It.”
Because space is limited, registration for the Cancer Survivors Day program at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital is limited. To register, please visit www.NCCancerCare.org or call (800) 213-3284.
