On June 7, 2017, members of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network and Prostate Cancer Canada Network Ottawa met with Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa. It was a beautiful day at City Hall to receive the Mayor’s official proclamation declaring June as National Cancer Survivors Month in Ottawa.
CCSN’s President and CEO Jackie Manthorne posed with the Mayor as he read the proclamation, which states,
“Whereas a ‘cancer survivor’ is defined as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of their life; and whereas, an estimated 202,400 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Canada this year, increased access to quality cancer care, screening, and prevention must be a top priority in our community; and whereas, the great city of Ottawa has an active and productive cancer survivor population; and whereas, hundreds of communities worldwide will be celebrating life this month; therefore, I Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, do hereby proclaim June 2017 as National Cancer Survivors Month in Ottawa, and urge citizens to join in this joyous celebration of life”.
This proclamation represents the over one million Canadians who survived cancer. Though many survivors deal with lasting effects of illness and treatment, along with the impact on their family and friends, this proclamation recognizes the courage and strength of cancer survivors. By proclaiming the month of June as National Cancer Survivors month in Ottawa, we can honour those who have made it through their cancer journey and recognize a vibrant, dynamic group of people who make up a very special community.
CCSN staff and members of Prostate Cancer Canada Network Ottawa met the Mayor and documented the occasion with quite a few photographs in a beautiful conference room in front of the flags of Canada, Ontario, and Ottawa. After the visit with the Mayor, CCSN staff and Prostate Cancer Canada Network Ottawa members visited the City Hall cafeteria to enjoy some coffee and good conversation. It was a very positive day of celebrating survivorship and those who have survived cancer.
