National Cancer Survivors Day®, an annual celebration each June recognizes the unwavering spirit of Americans who battle cancer and win. It is a time to celebrate the lives of many men and women who are cancer survivors, as well as their families, friends, and the healthcare providers who have so gallantly stood beside them in their fight.

The nature of this day lends itself to heartwarming tales of courage and bravery, as well as informational stories on the importance of prevention and early detection in beating cancer. Because most people know someone who has had cancer, these stories would have great appeal to members of our community.

As we take a moment to honor our community's cancer survivors, let us also thank their partners in this life-affirming fight – the men and women of our community oncology centers who are leading the way to a cancer-free future. Everyday, we discover new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the many different types of cancer. Those advances are the result of groundbreaking laboratory research, in-depth clinical trials and the complete dedication of oncology professionals who wake up every morning asking themselves what they can do that day to improve the lives of their patients.

VOA plays a major role in helping people in our community win the battle against cancer. We have a number of cancer survivors who are eager to tell their stories of hope and inspiration, in an effort to encourage others who might be facing their own fights.

Surviving cancer is truly a partnership of people battling the disease and the researchers, scientists, pharmacologists, oncologists and other medical professionals who continue to push the boundaries and make strides in its diagnosis and treatment. These important advancements are the result of extensive laboratory research and in-depth clinical trials, many of which are conducted at community-based oncology centers such as ours.