Celebrating Your Life Through Mind, Body, and Soul (2013)

On June 10, 2013, ELLICSR celebrated National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) to honour cancer survivors.

The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a "survivor" as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.

This year's theme Celebrating Your Life Through Mind, Body, and Soul took a comprehensive approach to spirituality without simply focusing on religion.

This is your cancer journey and I think you've got this.

Dr. Karen Mustian

Here's a look back at the day's events:

• Words from the Keynote Speaker
• Panel Discussion
• Panelists
• Workshop Events
• Programme Overview
• Blogs on NCSD 2013
• Resources
• Our Supporters

Words from the Keynote Speaker: Dr. Karen Mustian

Dr. Karen Mustian, an exercise physiologist, gave a keynote presentation on exercise and cancer. Dr. Mustian told guests that she is frustrated with hearing doctors tell their patients to “get exercise," words that she says are as helpful as saying “take medicine.

Read more about her keynote speech.

Panel Discussion

Rabbi Elkin tells a story at the podium

At the event, representatives from a range of different faiths to take part in a panel discussion on Faith in the Face of Adversity. What were some of the main takeaway messages from the discussion?

Read a summary of the panel discussion.

Panelists

• Michael Marshall, panel facilitator
• Sensei Henderson, representing the Buddhist perspective
• Sister Mary Carol, representing the Christian perspective
• Alita Sauve, representing the Indigenous perspective
• Imam Alli, representing the Muslim perspective
• Rabbi Elkin, representing the Jewish perspective  

Thanks to Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto for organizing this panel.

Workshop Events

Some of the workshops that took place during the event encouraged guests to: add creative art to a canvas banner, participate through gentle movement and breathing techniques, learn about mindful eating exercises and discover laughter through yoga exercises.

Read about the workshops.

Programme Overview

View the programme for the day (PDF).

Blogs about the 2013 National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration

• What goes into planning National Cancer Survivors Day? Read an interview with event planner Myann Marks-Aitken. Planning ELLICSR's National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration
• "Everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer." And that's why we celebrate every year. Cancer survivors celebrate life with ELLICSR Centre
• What were some of the main messages from the Faith in the Face of Adversity panel discussion? What an Atheist Learned from a Discussion on Faith & Adversity
• A reflection of the day after the event was over. The Morning After

Resources

Interested in information to guide you through yours or your loved one's cancer journey? The ELLICSR resource library also has information on nutrition, health related topics and general health and wellness. Patients and families are more than welcome to come to ELLICSR and browse our library for books, pamphlets and other resources.

Or find more information about Spiritual Care during your cancer journey.

Our Supporters

We’d like to thank Gervais, The Career Foundation, Eric Hoskins, MPP, Abbott, Redex Inudstries, Pure+Simple, Green Shield Canada, Monte Kwinter, MPP, Tracy Charles, MPP, and Kathleen Wynne, MPP for supporting the event.

If you'd like to get involved with next year's celebration, call the ELLICSR reception desk at 416 581 8620.