Press Releases

Atlanta 2007/06/01 -Cancer survivorship has been a prominent topic of conversation in recent months with the announcements of cancer recurrences by Elizabeth Edwards and Tony Snow, both of whom have offered inspiration and shown courage and determination in living life during cancer treatment. On Sunday, June 3, the American Cancer Society will join millions of Americans in celebrating cancer survivors as part of the 20th annual National Cancer Survivors Day®.

The Society is releasing four new books in June that help families explain cancer to young children. Mom And The Polka-Dot Boo-Boo, Our Mom Is Getting Better, Our Dad Is Getting Better, and I Can Survive, which is for the survivor in each of us, are written to help the entire family cope with cancer, and to make the recovery time an opportunity to rediscover family and renew the commitment of supporting each other.

Mom And The Polka-Dot Boo-Boo by Eileen and Maggie Sutherland is a story that explains breast cancer to children ages two through six. Starting with diagnosis and going through the recovery process, it uses child-friendly imagery, such as butterflies, to explain what happens after a cancer diagnosis. The book was written by the mother-daughter team as a way to help other families faced with breast cancer. Incorporating simple explanations of the disease with a fantasy approach, the book brings comfort in an imaginative way that young children understand best.

Alex, Emily and Anna Rose Silver wrote Our Mom Is Getting Better and Our Dad Is Getting Better as a family project to celebrate their mother’s success in battling cancer. These books were an outlet for the children to share with others experiencing life after treatment, and proved to be a positive step in the whole family’s recovery process. Emily and Anna Rose illustrated the books, and Alex wrote most of the text. The books are written for children ages five through 12 and emphasize that while there may be times when a parent with cancer needs to continue to rest and recuperate, the love is still there. The books also emphasize that every small step taken during healing offers an opportunity to celebrate life and love.

Jennifer May Allen wrote I Can Survive to support her father during a diagnosis of stage three prostate cancer. The book encourages people to make each day count, stay optimistic and get the most out of life. Written and beautifully illustrated in a storybook format, the book is appropriate for all ages, and the universal message will speak to anyone experiencing a life crisis.

"The American Cancer Society is devoted to serving as a resource for cancer survivors, their caregivers, family and friends, and offers a variety of programs to support individuals throughout their cancer experience," said Terry Music, national vice president of health promotions at the American Cancer Society. "We join the 10.5 million cancer survivors in observing Cancer Survivors Day as a celebration of life."

Through its Cancer Resource Network, the American Cancer Society helps patients and their caregivers manage the impact of cancer on their lives through up-to-date cancer information and referrals to Society programs and other community resources. By calling 1-800-ACS-2345 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, or logging on to www.cancer.org, patients and their caregivers can find:

• Detailed cancer information that helps patients understand their disease and make critical decisions about their treatment;

• Community programs and other resources that help patients and caregivers cope with the physical, social, emotional and financial toll that cancer can take on their lives; and

• Opportunities to connect with other patients and caregivers who have “been there” and can offer moral support.

National Cancer Survivors Day also coincides with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life® season where 500,000 cancer survivors are honored in 4,800 communities across the country for their valiant battles against cancer. Relay For Life is a way for cancer survivors to fight back against the disease that could have claimed their lives, raising $375 million last year nationwide for cancer research, education, patient support and advocacy programs. National Cancer Survivors Day is organized by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation. For information on community events, visit http://www.ncsdf.org/.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-