Celebrate cancer survival at garden

Great Lakes Cancer Institute invites cancer survivors, their families and friends to join them for ‘Survivorship…A Partnership? on June 13 for the First Annual Clarkston National Cancer Survivor Day.
‘The national day is celebrated the first Sunday in June,? said Susan Yun, RN. ‘It provides a way for us, the healthcare provider, to give back in a fun way and say ‘let’s celebrate your success.??
GLCI, with McLaren Breast Center and Swan for Life Cancer Foundation, will have a picnic with box lunches including sandwiches from Tropical Smoothie, along with popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and a coffee bar.
Entertainment includes the Clarkston High School Jazz band, clowns and caricature artists. They also have raffle items from LaVida Massage, Randolph’s Salon and Waterfalls Jewelers.
Lila Lazarus, TV personality and health reporter, is the guest speaker presenting ‘An Extreme Lifestyle Makeover for Survivors.?
‘We can find some joy in one day to say we are proud of what you have, we realize the hard work,? said Yun. ‘We are always focused on what is your blood count, what are the side effects from your treatment, how are you feeling. We are glad you are here and we are glad to be here with you.?
The celebration gives survivors and their families the opportunity to share inspirational stories, visit the Garden of Healing and Renewal and learn about other services for patients. The Garden of Healing and Renewal, this year’s Community Beautification award winner, covers four acres featuring native Michigan plants, winding paths and a labyrinth.
‘This is a community garden, built with McLaren Medical Center and Independence Township,? said Yun.
They will also feature the opening of the American Cancer Society Community Resource Center and information on Food for Life, nutrition and cooking classes by The Cancer Project, arranged by Swan for Life, and Survivorship Lecture Series, a free lecture series during the summer at GLCI.
The Clarkston National Cancer Survivor Day is Sunday, June 13, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at 5680 Bow Pointe Drive, Clarkston. Call 248-922-660 to RSVP.
‘It is a chance for community cancer centers, large educational cancer centers and healthcare providers to honor their patients and celebrate with their families,? said Yun.