Free Celebration for Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer survivors who reside in Sussex County are invited to a unique celebration of life at Project Self-Sufficiency on Saturday, May 21st, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Survivor Celebration will feature break-out sessions, entertainment, lunch and interactive exhibits. A keynote presentation will be offered by Therapist Diane Lang. 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. A presentation by therapist, educator and author Diane Lang will address, “Happiness – Living an Optimistic Lifestyle.” Dr. Dani L. Segal, PhD, co-founder of Healthy Thymes Market and founder of nutrition counseling practice HealthWorks, will offer guidelines for nurturing and supporting a healthy immune system. Inspire Fitness owner Brian Hoover will give participants tips about appropriate low-impact exercises to perform during and after recovery. A panel discussion will be facilitated by Medical Oncologist, Dr. May Abdo-Matkiwsky, and Breast Surgeon Dr. Michelle O’Shea. Project Self-Sufficiency Leadership Council member Susan Knutsen will be on hand with her therapy dog, Sam. A luncheon will be sponsored by Sparta Cancer Center and catered by Newton Medical Center. The day will wrap up with a singing bowl presentation by T. Love of Quantum Wellness.

Numerous vendors will be available to offer tips on health, wellness, fashion and exercise, including Project Self-Sufficiency; Sussex County Department of Environmental and Public Health Services; Sussex Warren Chronic Disease Coalition; Alternative Hair at Sunshine; Mary Kay; Newton Medical Center; Sussex County Office of Public Health Nursing/NJ CEED; Planned Parenthood of Central and Greater Northern NJ; PB& J Stores; Sussex County 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.