Cancer survivors and their supporters will gather in communities around the world today to celebrate the 31st annual National Cancer Survivors Day, a holiday meant to “demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality,” according to the organizers website.
The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation says a survivor is “anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.” There are more than 32 million cancer survivors worldwide.
“National Cancer Survivors Day is an opportunity for people to stand with the cancer survivors in their community and make a commitment to address the challenges of cancer survivorship,” says foundation representative Laura Shipp.
“It’s a day to advocate for more resources, research, and legislation to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors and, particularly, to lessen the financial burden of cancer. But it is also a day to celebrate. We’re living in a new era of cancer survivorship. Cancer mortality rates are steadily declining, and cancer survivors are living longer than ever before. And, while we know there is more work to do, we want to give cancer survivors one day to just celebrate life. It may be complicated and challenging and unpredictable, but life after cancer can also be beautiful, meaningful, and inspiring. And that’s something to celebrate.”
The Mint also used pink gold plating on its 2012 Farewell to the Penny silver coin.
WORLD’S SECOND COLOURED CIRCULATION COIN
In 2006, together with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled the world’s second coloured circulation coin.
Designed by Master Engraver Cosme Saffioti, who’s also the Mint’s director of engraving, the coin depicts the iconic pink ribbon associated with breast cancer initiatives alongside three other ribbons. The coins have a weight of 25.175 grams; a 23.88-millimetre diameter; and serrated edges.
More recently, in 2012, the Mint used pink gold plating on its Farewell to the Penny silver coin.