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2008 Survivor Luncheon Celebrating Co-Survivorship The 2008 Survivor Luncheon was a great success with a total of 472 breast cancer survivors and co-survivors in attendance. The luncheon took place on May 20, 2008, and honored both survivors of breast cancer and co-survivors, who are supporters of the survivor throughout their journey. Building on the national theme of "Celebrating Co-survivorship," News Channel 4 anchor, Victoria Hansen, gave a moving tribute that compared the journey of the survivors and co-survivors to Dorothy's journey in The Wizard of Oz. Hansen said, "Breast cancer... it's like the twister that ripped Dorothy from her home... from all that she'd ever known... to the unknown... a strange, and frightening place. She didn't want to be in Oz... she only wished to go home, back to how things once were. As she stood before the yellow brick road, much like the pink ribbon road, she must have felt alone and scared. But as she made her journey, she came across people who in hindsight seem perfectly placed. They too were looking for answers and together they found the wisdom, the courage, and the love to get through. Traits they already had, but didn't fully realize without the help of their friends or in this case... their co-survivors." The keynote speakers were Mrs. Gene Glave and retired CDR. Denis Simon. Glave, who is a registered nurse and survivor of breast cancer, provided both laughter and tears through her heartwarming stories about her personal experience with being diagnosed with cancer. Simon spoke as a co-survivor and about his experience when his wife and president of Komen Lowcountry Affiliate, Patricia Simon, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Another special tribute to the survivors included the lighting of the candles and a beautiful solo by local singer songwriter, Carrie Ann Hearst, who sang and played the guitar to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Stand By Me," just before the 2008 Charlene Daughtrey award was presented. Affiliate volunteers and breast cancer survivors, Annette Jefferson and Carrie Jefferson, were presented the Charlene Daughtrey Award for their dedication to the mission of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Both volunteers have shown a devotion that has made them key components to Komen for the Cure's volunteer base and they share a determination to end breast cancer as a life threatening disease. Survivors and their guests received a "Survival Kit" which were filled with gifts that added to the Oz theme by representing the major characters in the Wizard of Oz. Gifts included an infinity circle in honor of their "inner Dorothy" and her strength, the Lion's Badge of Courage, the Tin Man's candy hearts, a silver Toto charm, and a licorice candy "Toto" for all attendees. Also included was a message from the Scarecrow, encouraging women to do monthly breast self exams, get yearly mammograms, and to give their time and talents to Komen to help eradicate breast cancer forever. Additional proceeds from the registration fee will be used to fund a small grant that will help pay for mammograms for uninsured women. A special thanks to presenting sponsor, East Cooper Regional Medical Center, as well as to key sponsors, Roper Saint Francis Cancer Center and Trident Health System/Spirit of Women. |
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