On Sun., Sept. 7, more than 1,100 cancer survivors and their families were honored for their strength and courage, as were the contributions of their families and friends. "Cancer Survivors' Day is a great opportunity to bring together a community of people whose lives have been touched by cancer, and to affirm the possibility of a quality life after a diagnosis of cancer," said Mary Ellen Weber, Cancer Registry supervisor, at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. It is a day to celebrate and honor all of the cancer survivors, their families, friends, and health care providers." The event was held at Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook.

"I'm very proud to be part of this day," said Dr. Kenneth Gold, Chairman of the Cancer Committee and Chief of Hematology and Oncology. "Our expanding community of cancer survivors stands as a shinning testament to the tangible results of advances in cancer treatment here at Good Sam. The individuals honored inspire our entire heath care team with their bravery and remarkable optimism."

The 2008 keynote speaker was Loretta Laroche, an international stress management and humor consultant. Her optimistic and lighthearted speech brought a smile to all of the attendees.

The event was filled with joy, camaraderie, hope, compassion, faith and love. According to Joyce Olsen, breast and thyroid

cancer survivor, "I felt so blessed to have such high quality health care so close to my home. As a patient at Good Samaritan, I felt I was well educated about my cancer and well prepared for my treatments. Finding doctors, who I could relate to and trust, helped me so much. Cancer Survivors' Day was wonderful.

It went so smoothly, it was relaxing; there was such a great feeling throughout the day. And, to top it all off my Mom, who is a four-time cancer survivor, won the 50/50!" For information about Good Samaritans' cancer programs, please call 631-376-4444. Shown are Bonnie Edsall, RN, BSN, Breast Health Educator, Joyce Olsen, cancer survivor, Anne Green, MD and Director of Breast Imaging and Kenneth Gold, MD Chief of Hematology / Oncology and Chairman of the Cancer Committee.