Cancer Survivors Honored on National Cancer Survivors Day

Jackson, Miss. - May 15, 2003 -- Baptist Cancer Services will be celebrating the lives of cancer survivors on National Cancer Survivors Day, Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hederman Cancer Center, 1227 North State Street, Jackson, Miss.

Jan Dravecky, the wife of former baseball pitcher Dave Dravecky will be the guest speaker. She has stood by her husband through his diagnosis of cancer, the eventual amputation of his pitching arm and the loss of his career. Miss103 radio personality Rick Adams will be the emcee.

This day will mark the sixteenth annual National Cancer Survivors Day, the world's largest cancer survivor event. This nationwide celebration of life will encompass different events held in over 700 communities.

This year, more than 14,000 Mississippians will be diagnosed with cancer. Despite this number, many people are ready to celebrate their victories. Even though some battles with this disease might not be over, cancer victims are living proof that a diagnosis of cancer is no longer a certain death sentence.

"The event, which is free and open to the public, will provide a chance for cancer survivors and their families, as well as those who have lost loved ones to cancer, to celebrate the fight against cancer," said Bobbie Ware, director of Baptist Cancer Services.

A cancer survivor is defined by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation as anyone living with a history of cancer. This includes newly diagnosed survivors as well as long-term survivors. An estimated 8.4 million Americans (nearly one in 30) are now living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer.

"Since the number of deaths caused by cancer is second only to heart disease, it is important for all of us all to learn as much about this diseases as possible - and the sooner the better, as many forms of cancer can be prevented and most cured if detected early," Ware added. "Knowledge, hope and inspiration can help beat cancer. And there's no better place to find it than at a National Cancer Survivors Day event. We hope Mississippians will join us at our community's event and show support."

The event is free, but registration is recommended by May 29, 2003. Call the Baptist Health Line at 948-6262 or 1-800-948-6262.

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