National Cancer Survivors Day is held each year in hundreds of communities throughout the world. This Sunday, June 13, The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in UI Hospitals and Clinics, is sponsoring the day to honor patients who have survived cancer. Joan Felkner, director of the Cancer Information Service in the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, talks about Survivors Day:

How many people are treated for cancer each year at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center?

The Holden Cancer Center treats about 32,000 patients each year. The majority are seen in the Cancer Center Pappajohn Clinic; however, patients are also seen in ophthalmology, otolaryngology, dermatology, urology, pediatrics, orthopaedics, and radiation oncology at University of Iowa Health Care.

Not that long ago, when someone was told they had cancer, it was considered life ending. Cancer treatment has come a long way. Do you see that difference at the Survivors Day event each year?

In the United States today, there are around 12 million cancer survivors, so cancer is no longer a death sentence due to new therapies which are able to target cancer cells. We think it's just wonderful to have more and more people attend this celebration of life each year.

How many people do you expect at this weekend's event?

We are hoping at least 300 patients and their families will attend this year.

What does the day include for patients and their families who attend?

This year our theme is "The Spirit of Teamwork." We have some very special guests who are going to make up a panel. They include:

• Kirk Ferentz, the football coach
• Sharon Dingman, the volleyball coach
• Larissa Libby, the women's gymnastics coach
• Herky

There will be crafts, games, face painting for kids, refreshments, and a special treat—survivor will have their picture taken with the coaches and Herky for the Jumbotron, and then they'll get a souvenir picture to take home.

How does this day benefit the staff who worked with these survivors when they were in treatment for their cancer?

It's a wonderful day for the survivors to connect with other survivors to learn about their experiences and share their journeys together and what they've learned and for the staff, as well. This is one of our favorite days of the year. We get to see survivors who've returned to their lives and get to celebrate life with them.

You work closely with these people and invest quite a bit yourselves. How important is this and how does this benefit the staff?

We work with patients every day, all day, and it's really a joy to get to see people in this environment at Survivors Day.

Just a reminder, please, of the time, the place, the details?

We invite everyone who has been a patient of Holden Cancer Center to join us from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, at the Kinnick Stadium Press Box. To register for the event, please call the Cancer Information Service. Our toll-free number is 800-237-1225.

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