In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD), the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare Sedona Campus is hosting Celebri la Vita! (Celebrate Life!) on Sunday, June 28. The Italian-themed event will be held at Verde Valley Medical Center’s Conference Room B from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. A free lunch for cancer survivors and families will be served at noon with a brief program, activities and entertainment to follow.

NCSD is the largest annual celebration of life held in hundreds of communities throughout the United States, Canada, and other participating countries to demonstrate life goes on even after a cancer diagnosis. It is a way to honor cancer survivors for their strength and courage, and to recognize the contributions of their families, friends and healthcare providers, and call attention to the issues of cancer survivorship.

A cancer survivor is defined by the NCSD Foundation as anyone living with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. Approximately 11.4 million Americans are living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer, and 60 percent of survivors are 65 years of age and older. In the U.S., almost half of all men and one-third of all women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.

Any cancer survivor and family member wishing to participate in the lunch is asked to RSVP to 204-4160. VVMC’s Conference Room B is most easily accessed by parking in the VVMC main parking lot on Candy Lane and entering through the Outpatient Services door.