Backus hosts Cancer Survivors Day
PrintNORWICH — Nationally known humorist and educator Steve Sobel will be the keynote speaker at The William W. Backus Hospital’s Fifth Annual Cancer Survivors Day on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m.
The emotional event is a celebration for approximately 500 cancer survivors and their families from throughout eastern Connecticut.
Sobel is the author of the best-seller “The Good Times Handbook – Your Guide to Positive Living and Exciting Life,” and appears regularly on television and radio throughout the United States and Canada. His presentation, which includes interactive exercises, will be about the benefits of laughter and surrounding yourself with inspirational people.
This year’s theme is “Survivors: A Growing Community.” Twenty years ago, two out of three people diagnosed with cancer died, whereas today two out of three people survive, said John Panicek, Administrative Director of Cancer Services at Backus. This fact only adds to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the event, a time to celebrate life with cancer survivors, their friends, family and caregivers.
By hosting Cancer Survivors’ Day on the hospital campus at 326 Washington Street, Backus Hospital staff hopes cancer survivors can gain hope in seeing there are many others like them, and that life can be meaningful after being diagnosed with cancer.
All local cancer survivors, their friends and family are invited to attend the event, which features free food, music and health information, as well as raffles of donated prizes. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 28 by calling 892-2777.