Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Nyack, NY – June 8, 2009 – New York State Senator Thomas P. Morahan, a cancer survivor, visited fellow cancer  survivors, care givers, families, friends, researchers, as well as healthcare providers who support cancer survivors as part of a National Cancer Survivors Day event at Nyack Hospital.   The Senator toured the hospital's Oncology Unit, Infusion Center, and viewed state-of-the-art imaging equipment at the Breast Center. Morahan, who secured a $ 1 million state grant to enhance services at the Breast Center, also welcomed the facility's new Director, Dr. Patricia K. Joseph, M.D., F.A.C.S.

America has approximately 12 million cancer survivors.  The Nyack Hospital event was among hundreds held around the country in observance of the 22nd annual National Cancer Survivors Day. National Cancer Survivors Day celebrates life and demonstrates that cancer is not an automatic death sentence.

“A ‘survivor’ is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. Cancer survivors may face many challenges such as hindered access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate or no insurance, financial hardships, employment problems and psychological struggles," said Morahan."Despite these difficulties, cancer survivors can live active, productive lives."