Karmanos Cancer Institute honors cancer survivors at Survivorship Celebration

Nearly 200 guests including cancer survivors, their families and supporters gathered for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute’s 5th Annual Survivorship University Celebration of Survivorship, Thursday, June 18. The celebration recognized cancer survivors and others who raise awareness of cancer prevention and help empower lives. This year’s event theme was Music as Medicine. Radio personality Sandy Kovach, public affairs director for V98.7 Smooth Jazz and 104.3 WOMC, served as emcee. Deforia Lane, Ph.D., renowned music therapist, author and two-time breast cancer survivor, was the keynote speaker. Dr. Lane spoke about the impact music has on cancer survivors, bringing comfort and hope to those facing an illness. The Patricia Milner Sachs Heart of a Survivor Award, recognizing an individual who goes above and beyond to help other cancer survivors, was awarded to Manuel Rosenbaum, prostate of Oak Park. Manny Rosenbaum, prostate cancer survivor and winner of the 2009 Patricia Milner Sachs Heart of a Survivor Award)Manny knew he would be at higher risk of prostate cancer since his brother was diagnosed with the disease, so he got tested regularly. In 2004, it was confirmed – Manny was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of prostate cancer. Today, at age 79, Manny volunteers several times a month, educating men about prostate cancer prevention. He serves on the Survivorship University Advisory committee for the Karmanos Cancer Center where he assists in planning programs and events year-round to help cancer survivors and their loved ones. He is an active member of US TOO, a prostate cancer education and support network where he volunteers to provide education to men about the importance of prostate health. Manny also volunteers with Karmanos’ Community Education Department where he serves as program volunteer to help raise the awareness of prostate health at health fairs and other community events. He selflessly gives his time traveling throughout southeast Michigan to educate the community about the importance of screening, early-detection, and prevention. In addition to sharing his story of survival, he always has a can-do attitude and a smile on his face. Gentle and humble, yet persistent in his message, Manny uses his personal journey of survival as an opportunity to educate others about the importance of protecting their health. Other outstanding cancer survivors who were nominated for the Heart of a Survivor Award include: Jennifer Chwalik-Nagy of Belleville; Leah Davidson of Birmingham; Mary Goode of Carleton; Carol Holt of Monroe; Peg McIvor of Sterling Heights; Patti Nemer of West Bloomfield; Sheronza Scott of Detroit; Cindy Sulad of Grosse Pointe; and Elree Watkins of Detroit. 2009 Patricia Milner Sachs Heart of a Survivor Award nominees with Deforia Lane, Ph.D.Survivorship University was the vision and creation of Karmanos community educator Patricia Milner Sachs, who lost her 11-year battle with melanoma cancer in June 2006. Throughout her 12-year career at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, she helped thousands of cancer survivors and their families navigate the everyday challenges of living with, through and beyond cancer. Deforia Lane, Ph.D., renowned music therapist, author and two-time breast cancer survivor, and David Sachs, husband of the late Patricia Milner Sachs and Survivorship University great supporter.) It’s estimated that more than 1.5 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. With more than 11.1 million cancer survivors in the nation, it’s critical that we continue to raise awareness of prevention, advocate for and help empower cancer survivors and their caregivers. This celebration continues that commitment.
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1. Karmanos Cancer Institute honors cancer survivors at Survivorship Celebration