In recognition of cancer Survivor Month this June, a celebration was recently held in Kalispell to honor cancer survivors and provide valuable facts on cancer prevention and treatment.

The event brought together survivors and their families for an afternoon dedicated to acknowledging their resilience and offering educational resources.

jaren Renfro, the cancer program coordinator, emphasized the importance of uniting individuals with shared experiences to celebrate their triumphs over cancer.According to Renfro, “These people have just endured, you know, some of the most traumatic things that can happen. So we want to celebrate their victories, and just celebrate them making it through cancer.”

Ellen Keesling, a cancer survivor, noted that the event highlighted the availability of resources such as screenings and support groups in the Kalispell area. “To know that there is help, there are events, there are people who can step into your story. I think that’s a really powerful thing,” Keesling stated.

Community Support is Key

“When you feel like you’re alone, it’s really hard to battle through this.”

Keesling emphasized the critical role of community in supporting those who have battled or are currently battling cancer.She explained, “When you feel like you’re alone, it’s really hard to battle through this. I think that having other people who intrinsically know what it’s like to receive a cancer diagnosis. Thay know how personal it is and how terrifying it can be so having that community of people who really get it, it provides a bond that I think can encourage you and give you hope for the future.”