National Cancer Survivors Day strengthens community of survivors

On Sunday all around the country, poeple are celebrating National cancer Survivors Day.  PRMC held an event on Sunday in Salisbury at the MAC center, to allow cancer survivors to come together and celebrate life.

Strength of the community is the motto for the event.  Each individual has their own unique story, but they come together for their common celebration, life.  Despite survivors generally receiving unconditional support from family and friends, it can often seem lonely, if your family and friends aren’t going through it.

Lisa Barnes, an oncologist at PRMC who runs support groups for cancer survivors with her team says “this kind of event and what we do allows them to meet with other people who have walked in their shoes – and that’s invaluable support and information” because even the strongest can use some advice now and then.

Delegate Mary Beth Carozza was on hand to share her story, being a survivor herself.  Carozza was also representing Governor Larry Hogan, who Carozza says inspires all Marylander’s with his public fight against cancer.  Carozza says the most important lesson she’s learned is to follow up with your doctors, for more than just your own sake. “in addition to doing it for yourself you really should be following up with your family and friends because they’re happy that you are a survivor and they want you to be a survivor for a long time”.

Both Carozza and Barnes stress that support is key, especially through the toughest times. Barnes touches on the common misconception about these groups “a lot of people think support groups they sit around and cry. There are some tears sometimes, but there’s more information and support given than you would imagine.”

Through these groups and celebrations like the one on Cancer Survivors Day, a community of survivors gathered, so they can help each other find the strength within themselves.