Cancer survivors, family and friends gathered at ELLICSR on June 9 to participate in National Cancer Survivors Day. Click the video above to watch the highlights. (Video: ELLICSR)

Over 100 survivors, friends and family gathered at University Health Network's ELLICSR: Health, Wellness & Cancer Survivorship Centre on June 9 to participate in its fifth annual National Cancer Survivors Day event honouring cancer survivors.

ELLICSR is a place where scientists, educators, health care providers, survivors and community cancer organizations collaborate to revolutionize the cancer experience and maximize the quality of life, health and wellness of all who are impacted by cancer.

"National Cancer Survivors Day at ELLICSR provides an opportunity for cancer survivors to connect with other survivors, celebrate milestones, and recognize the healthcare providers, family, and friends who have supported them along the way," said Dr. Jennifer Jones, Associate Director of ELLICSR. "This year's focus on physical activity was in response to the growing number of cancer survivors who are asking for information and programming around exercise and the overwhelming evidence describing the benefits of physical activity after a cancer diagnosis."

Image of participants learn how to do Yoga
Participants learn how to do Yoga, led by a group fitness expert and Lululemon ambassador. (Photo: ELLICSR)

Let's get physical!

ELLICSR 'got physical' with this year's theme, 'physical wellness', which focused on cancer exercise. The day started out with a keynote lecture by Dr. Kerry Courneya, an internationally recognized expert, professor and Canada Research Chair in physical activity and cancer at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.  This was followed by a discussion from our panel of experts, including: Drs. Catherine Sabiston, Mary Jane Esplen, Daniel Santa Mina, Ms. Barbara Jenkins, and a lively question and answer period about cancer exercise.

Image of Barbara Jenkins
Barbara Jenkins, cancer survivor and volunteer at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, leads a five minute stretch to the famous ‘Let’s Go Blue Jays’ song in between the keynote talk and panelist discussion. (Photo: ELLICSR)
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Other workshops included: Food to Fuel your Fitness; Creative Movement with Canada's National Ballet School; WE-Can Move; Diva Flow Yoga; Healthy Steps; Laughter Heals with Rob Hawke and more. And let's not forget the seated massages survivors were able to enjoy throughout the day!​

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