June 29, 2007

Honoring cancer survivors

The Network for Patients and Families, a program of the MGH Cancer Center, sponsored a daylong celebration June 7 in recognition of National Cancer Survivors' Day. Current and former cancer patients took part in a variety of activities designed to aid in recovery and create peace during a stressful time.

Workshops and informational sessions took place throughout the day on a variety of issues, including raising children with a sick parent, helping young adults living with cancer and eating healthily to support the immune system. Guests were invited to take part in expressive arts therapy, learn scarf-tying techniques and receive chair massages. Visitors also were able to head outdoors to the Healing Garden for bird-watching activities and a tour of the Boston skyline while live harp music played in the background. The day concluded with an evening program entitled "New Advances in Cancer Treatment," featuring MGH Cancer Center speakers Bruce A. Chabner, MD, director; Thomas Lynch Jr., MD; and Lidia Schapira, MD.