Breast Cancer Survivors Enjoy Unique Celebration

Breast cancer survivors who reside in Sussex County recently enjoyed a unique celebration of life at Project Self-Sufficiency, complete with presentations, panel discussions, health and wellness information, music, raffles, and demonstrations about exercise and nutrition. Keynote speaker Diana Perez, a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, presented “From Victim to Victorious; Embracing who we are and Celebrating how far we’ve come in our Journey of Life.” Radiation Oncologist Dr. Kathy Lo, Medical Oncologist, Dr. Jumana Chatiwala, and Nurse Navigator Kelly Zukswert discussed “Everything you wanted to know about Breast Cancer but were Afraid to ask.” A representative from Newton Medical Center’s Nutrition Services demonstrated the creation of a tabouli salad while discussing nutrition guidelines. Personal trainer Paula Ramm, from R & T Nautilus, demonstrated low-impact exercises, stretching and light kickboxing. Music was provided by Harmony in Motion’s Mixed Nuts Quartet and pianist Mariapia Riso, a student of Margaret Korczynski’s Sussex County Music Workshop. An appearance by Compassionate Care Hospice Therapy Dogs Lil’ Rascal and Pearl rounded out the event. Lunch was sponsored by the Sparta Cancer Center.

Numerous vendors were on hand to offer tips on health, wellness, fashion and exercise, including Project Self-Sufficiency, Alternative Hair at Sunshine; PB&J Stores; Relay for Life of Greater Sussex County/American Cancer Society; Sparta Cancer Center; Sussex County Department of Environment and Public Health Services (Sussex Warren Chronic Disease Coalition); Sussex County Office of Public Health Nursing (NJCEED); Planned Parenthood; Newton Medical Center; Mary Kay; Fairview Lakes YMCA; and others. Gift certificates to local businesses and boutiques, baskets of accessories and other items were raffled off to participants throughout the event. All activities were uniquely designed to celebrate the survival of breast cancer by local women.

“Sussex County has the highest incidence of incurable breast cancer in the state of New Jersey, so it is with great pride that we were able to honor those women from our area who have survived breast cancer,” noted Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “With survival, however, comes the issue of maintaining well-being. This Survivorship Celebration instructed participants about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and offered tips on proper nutrition, exercise and stress relief. We are grateful to all of the individuals and organizations who joined us in this special celebration of life.”

The Survivor Celebration was sponsored by Sparta Cancer Center, Summit Breast Care, the Breast Health Awareness Project at Project Self-Sufficiency, a program of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® North Jersey Affiliate, Newton Medical Center, and the Sussex County Department of Environmental & Public Health Services/Office of Public Health Nursing – NJ CEED.

The breast health education project at Project Self-Sufficiency offers an abundance of services for teen girls and women throughout the year, including free mammograms, as well as breast health education in middle schools, high schools, colleges, religious organizations and within civic groups. The agency also sponsors a team in the Komen North Jersey® Race for the Cure to help raise funds for breast cancer research and community education. For more information about the breast health education program, or to find out about any of the other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.