Support Connection Celebrates National Cancer Survivor’s Day

More than 140 people turned out for ’s 8th annual “Celebrate Life Day” on Sunday at Travelers Rest restaurant. Support Connection, the Yorktown-based not-for-profit organization, offers free, confidential support services to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. 

Organizers holds Celebrate Life Day each year to pay tribute to cancer survivors for their strength and courage and to recognize the contributions of their families, friends and other caregivers.

The first Sunday in June is also National Cancer Survivors Day, an annual, worldwide celebration of life held in hundreds of communities throughout the United States, Canada and other participating countries. 

According to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, a “survivor” is anyone living with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.

Two cancer survivors gave inspirational talks to those in attendance. Geri Moran, of Elmsford is a survivor of breast cancer for 23 years. She is the creator of “Wish and Worry Angels” which are designed to bring comfort to those dealing with illness. She talked about her personal perspective on the changes a cancer diagnosis can bring to someone's life. 

Nancy Heller of Yorktown Heights celebrated 25 years of being cancer free last November. She is a co-founder of Support Connection, Inc. and the President of their Board of Directors. She shared how her experiences as a breast cancer survivor inspired her to establish Support Connection to help other women. She said “paying it forward” had a positive impact on her life, and encouraged others to do the same.