VOLUSIA ANDFLAGLER COUNTIES, Fla., June 7, 2019 – In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day®, AdventHealth hosted special brunches to celebrate cancer survivors.
On June 2, nearly 100 community members gathered at the AdventHealth Daytona Beach Cancer Center. Guests participated in a fun icebreaker and art activity, as well as had the opportunity to hear from Sandy Allten, AdventHealth Daytona Beach cancer research nurse, who shared stories and lessons about her experience with cancer. The day was full of laughter and emotion as everyone came together in fellowship.
On June 4, nearly 100 community members joined AdventHealth Palm Coast for a similar event. Guests participated in an icebreaker activity and art activity to connect all attendees, and the mayor of Palm Coast gave an inspirational speech.
“I think it’s fair to say we all know someone in our life that has been impacted by cancer. I, myself, have someone close to me on this journey currently,” Milissa Holland, Palm Coast mayor, said during the event. “It’s a very scary disease and can change lives in an instant. It forces you and your support system into a rollercoaster of emotions as we process what’s next.”
Holland went on to explain how the City of Palm Coast and AdventHealth Palm Coast want to be part of the support system for local cancer patients.
Each October, the City of Palm Coast partners with the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation to host the Pink Army 5K to raise funds and support for local residents with breast cancer. Holland noted that the 2018 Pink Army 5K was one of the most successful ever, raising more than $16,000 to provide education, mammograms and biopsies to aid in the early detection of breast cancer.
“I’m proud of how this annual event has become a staple in our community,” she said. “For many years, I have been among the hundreds of community members who ran and walked. It really sends a message that we as City leaders can be part of your support system, not only by walking, but by making sure that we position our City as a place that recognizes the importance of the cause.”
These events were hosted in recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day® which is observed each year on the first Sunday in June. This annual observation provides an opportunity for all those living with a history of cancer – including America’s more than 15.5 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 to promote more resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.
AdventHealth will host a similar event in West Volusia on June 23. To learn more or to RSVP, call Call386-943-7160 or visit EventsAHD.com.
About AdventHealth Central Florida Division - North Region
Encompassing six AdventHealth hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties, the AdventHealth Central Florida Division - North Region is the largest hospital system in the area with 1,193 beds and more than 8,000 team members. The North Region includes facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Orange City, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast and Tavares. Formerly known as Florida Hospital, the organization’s parent company changed the name of all wholly-owned entities to AdventHealth on Jan. 2, 2019. Based in Altamonte Springs, AdventHealth is a connected system of care. With more than 80,000 team members, AdventHealth is one of the nation’s largest faith-based health care systems with nearly 50 hospitals and hundreds of care sites in nearly a dozen states. With the mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth provides whole person care to heal the body, mind and spirit. To learn more, click here.
Photo Caption:
During AdventHealth Daytona Beach’s brunch for National Cancer Survivors Day on June 2, attendees participated in an art activity. Pictured here, Becky Buckland, AdventHealth Daytona Beach dosimetrist, helps attendees use finger-paint to create leaves on a tree to symbolize their connection.