Breast Cancer Survivors Invited to Celebrate

Breast cancer survivors who reside in Sussex County are invited to a unique celebration of life at Project Self-Sufficiency on Saturday, May 30th, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Survivor Celebration will feature break-out sessions, musical entertainment, lunch and interactive exhibits. The celebration is free, but space is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested participants must call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

A wide variety of events and activities will be available, all of which are uniquely designed to celebrate the survival of breast cancer by local women. Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Diana Perez will present “From Victim to Victorious; Embracing who we are and Celebrating how far we’ve come in our Journey of Life.” Personal trainer Paula Ramm, from R & T Nautilus, will demonstrate low-impact exercises, stretching and light kickboxing. A panel of experts will discuss “Everything you wanted to know about Breast Cancer but were Afraid to ask,” featuring Radiation Oncologist Dr. Kathy Lo, Medical Oncologist, Dr. May Abdo-Matkiwsky, Nurse Navigator Kelly Zukswert and Radiation Oncology Nurse Becky Grabowski. A representative from Newton Medical Center’s Nutrition Services will demonstrate the creation of a tabouli salad while discussing nutrition guidelines. A performance by Harmony in Motion’s Mixed Nuts Quartet, and an appearance by Compassionate Care Hospice Therapy Dogs, Lil’ Rascal and Pearl, will round out the event. Lunch is sponsored by Dr. Kathy Lo at the Sparta Cancer Center.

Numerous vendors will be 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.

“Sussex County has the highest incidence of incurable breast cancer in the state of New Jersey, so it is with great pride that we are 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 will instruct participants about appropriate steps to take to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise and stress relief techniques. We are grateful to all of the individuals and organizations who have agreed to join in this special celebration of life.”

The Survivor Celebration is 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 Survivorship Celebration is free and open to Sussex County breast cancer survivors, but registration is required. To register, call 973-940-3500.