15 Tips for National Cancer Survivors Day
“Anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life – is a cancer survivor.”
The first Sunday of June is going to be a day to remember. Why? Because it is National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD)! The NCSD Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping cancer patients defines a cancer survivor as “Anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life – is a cancer survivor.”
NCSD is a day to celebrate and draw inspiration from the warriors among us who have overcome a devastating diagnosis of cancer and emerged triumphantly. So let’s hear it for the champions of survival! Here’s how you can celebrate the day, show some support, and promote the cause:
1. Acknowledge the struggle. Take out time to make a cal or spend a day with a survivor and hear about how he or she fought the odds to lead a fulfilling life.
2. Broadcast the message! Show empathy for a survivor or share your journey by posting on social media or blogging about the significance of National Cancer Survivor’s Day and do your bit to generate awareness and support for all the victors!
3. Wear your attitude. Get some NCSD wearable gear (available from the official site: ncsd.org) and wear a t-shirt, badges, and sport a sun visor with the official logo to show your support.
4. Host an event. Organize a community program to develop awareness about National Cancer Survivors Day. You can also register your event with the NCSD Foundation to avail of their resources and offers.
5. NCSD is a celebration of life and living. So you can help make the day by planning a fun dance party, a parade or a booking a pampering salon session for them.
6. Visit a nearby hospital and boost the spirits of cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or other treatment.
7. Run for good health – Improve your health and display your support by running a marathon for the cause.
8. Prevention works better than a cure. Reach out to doctors and hospitals to sponsor a cancer awareness camp on 7 of June.
9. Display the colors. The official NCSD Foundation colors for the day are white and PMS (Pantone Matching System) 186 red, and 286 blue.
10. Not everyone is a hero – help a person struggling with cancer by bringing hope into his or her life. Share your story or of someone you know, provide resources and reading material to help make living with cancer easier.
11. Be grateful! Show your appreciation to the hospital staff, doctors, and nurses who took or are taking care of your treatment needs or those of a loved one at a time when you were at your lowest.
12. Say No! to fear. Cancer often entails living in fear of relapses or re-treatment. Decide to live a full life or encourage a survivor you know to take the reins back in his or her hands, without fear.
13. Add an element of triumph and competition to make an NCSD entertaining for those participating in it. Choose the oldest and youngest survivors, give away cups or pens with NCSD logos, and organize a treasure hunt for smart survivors.
14. Put together a fundraiser to sponsor wigs, scarves, caps, and makeovers to help survivors at a local hospital or in your neighborhood feel beautiful at a time when they feel stripped of their outer shell.
15. Even if you are unable to organize an event, you can always join in the celebrations by participating in local NCSD events in your area. Run a marathon, walk in a parade or actively support a person who is hosting an event.
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