Members of the Yées Ḵu.oo Dance Group perform at the Cancer Survivors Day walk on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Overstreet Park. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire file photo)

Members of the Yées Ḵu.oo Dance Group perform at the Cancer Survivors Day walk on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Overstreet Park. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire file photo)

Letter: Thank you

Each June, people around the world commemorate National Cancer Survivors Day. Cancer Connection hosted a walk and celebration in Juneau on June 8th. We appreciate those who braved the rain and wind to make this annual event a huge success.

Thank you to the bagpipers and drummers who led the walk between Marine Park and Mayor Bill Overstreet Park: Rai and Sue Behnert, Amy Bibb, Mary Kelly, Dan McCrummen, Jake Marnon, and Jon St. Claire. We appreciate Fran Houston, who did the land acknowledgment, Nancy Barnes, and Yees Ku.Oo Dancers who inspired the crowd, and members of the U.S. Coast Guard 17th District who grilled the lunch and provided the bell for survivors to ring to celebrate the end of their cancer treatment. Thanks also to Birger Baastrup for taking photos, Sonny Mauricio for taking videos, and the Southeast Alaska Independent Living ORCA program for loaning their water jug.

National Cancer Survivors Day provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer — including more than 18 million in the U.S. — to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way. Together, we can make a difference.

Jean Findley

Cancer Connection Office Manager

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