Our cancer program’s “Find the Cure” float in the June 6 Bury Cancer parade in downtown Barre had the BEST song. The Dandy Warhols’ “Scientist” blasted out as we danced, waved, conducted science experiments, and acted out a chemotherapy infusion.
In me the scientist,
Always stuck on, always trying this.
I try to live on science alone.
Analysis and freaky sensitivity,
We've gotta live on science alone.
With everyone wearing lab coats, some of us “scientists” sat at microscopes, while others sported prevention messages and images of genes and DNA strands. There are many elements to eliminating cancer--including prevention, treatment and cure—all of which are dependent on good solid science. We were happy to honor the science that has enabled more and more people to survive with a cancer diagnosis.
What a fun way to celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day!
Our Cancer Care Partners
The parade was one of several activities that day sponsored by a CVMC cancer care partner—the Vermont Cancer Survivor Network. VCSN was founded by cancer survivors to improve the quality of life for Vermont’s survivors—who now number over 30,000! Our cancer program especially appreciates VCSN’s Kindred Connections program, which matches individuals with a new cancer diagnosis to survivor volunteers who can provide 1-1 support.
VCSN isn’t our only cancer care partner that celebrates in June. Our “Cancer Crushers” team will be enjoying the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life during the overnight festivities at Spaulding High School on June 19-20. Our close partnership with Vermont ACS helps us provide services such as rides to treatment, wigs, print resources and infusion suite volunteers. ACS is also the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research, and our large cancer centers at the University of Vermont and Dartmouth Hitchcock are currently conducting research with the help of almost $5,500,000 in ACS grants!
We are proud of our comprehensive cancer program at Central Vermont Medical Center that addresses physical, emotional and practical needs. Hats off to the Vermont Cancer Survivor Network and the American Cancer Society, two of our partners that help us provide the very best care to our patients and their families!
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About National Cancer Survivors Day®
National Cancer Survivors Day® is an annual, treasured Celebration of Life that is held in hundreds of communities nationwide, and around the world, on the first Sunday in June. It is a CELEBRATION for those who have survived, an INSPIRATION for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of SUPPORT for families, and an OUTREACH to the community. On National Cancer Survivors Day®, thousands gather across the globe to honor cancer survivors and to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful, rewarding, and even inspiring.
It is a day for everyone, whether you're a cancer survivor, a family member, friend, or medical professional. This day provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer – including America’s more than 14 million cancer survivors – to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way. It is also a day to draw attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship in order to promote more resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.
