Cancer center honors strength and hope on National Cancer Survivors Day, June 4

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center marks National Cancer Survivors Day on June 4. The fun-filled event will be held at the cancer center, 2279 45^th St., Sacramento, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Join us for an inspiring day of celebration and connection as we honor cancer survivors and their journeys," said UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Primo "Lucky" Lara Jr.

The family-friendly celebration will feature activities and experiences for cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and families throughout the cancer center and on the grassy area adjacent to Shriners Children's Northern California. Attendees can connect with fellow survivors, meet cancer experts, explore wellness and supportive care, and access community resources. Speakers will include cancer survivors, cancer researchers and physicians.

Activities will include spending time with facility dogs, family-friendly art projects and complimentary Reiki sessions (Japanese energy healing technique). Free snacks, ice cream and lemonade will be available, too. Food trucks will sell lunch options onsite.

Pedaling to the event will be 20 college students with Texas 4000 for Cancer who have been biking across the country to raise money for cancer research.

Celebration is open to all

The cancer center's Supportive Oncology and Survivorship team organizes the event every year to honor people impacted by cancer. The celebration is open to the community. You do not need to be a UC Davis Health patient to attend.

Please RSVP by June 2. Cancer patients will be allowed to valet park at the cancer center. Follow signs to the event. General (paid) parking is available in parking structures 2 or 3.

What is National Cancer Survivors Day?

The nonprofit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation held its first gathering in 1988. The annual event is a "celebration of life," where survivors connect with doctors, nurses and other staff as well as friends and family to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be full and fun.

Corporate sponsors of National Cancer Survivors Day at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center include Gilead, Tempus, Eisai and AstraZeneca.