Date First Sunday in June 2017 date June 4 (2017-06-04) | 2016 date June 5 (2016-06-05) 2018 date June 3 (2018-06-03) | |
Observed by Mainly people in the United States Celebrations Parades and local observation | ||
The National Cancer Survivors Day is a secular holiday celebrated on the first Sunday in June primarily in the United States of America. The day is meant to “demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality”. Though it is mainly celebrated in the United States, the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation is attempting to grow its popularity in other countries, with some success.
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History
The National Cancer Survivors Day was first announced by Merril Hastings at the second national conference meeting of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship in Albuquerque, New Mexico on November 20, 1987. Later, Hastings filed the name as an International Class 042 Service, as well as registering with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the name of Pulse Publications.
The first National Cancer Survivors Day was held on June 5, 1988. Twenty-two other National Cancer Survivors Days have taken place since.
Events
Local towns, cities, hospitals, and support groups usually host events and celebrations on National Cancer Survivors Day. Celebrations can include parades, carnivals, art exhibits, contests, and testimonies to honor local cancer survivors.
The 2008 celebration included a commencement by U.S. President George W. Bush and the National Cancer Institute director.
Antigua and Barbuda have included a walk and run as part of their celebrations since 2007.
Expansion
The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation is attempting to expand the holidays celebrations worldwide, with some limited success. Countries targeted include Canada, the Cayman Islands, Antigua, Trinidad, Tobago, Italy, The Netherlands, India, Malaysia, Guam. Australia, South Africa, and the American Samoa.
Sponsoring corporations
Frequent sponsors of the National Cancer Survivors Day include AstraZeneca, COPING Magazine, Lilly Oncology, and the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation.