People who have survived cancer and their loved ones and caregivers will again gather at the University of Louisville for celebration, inspiration and support at the annual Cancer Survivors Celebration. The event is set for 3 p.m., Thursday, April 30, at UofL’s Kosair Charities Clinical and Translational Research building, 505 S. Hancock St.

Traditionally held on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby, it has become a highlight of the Derby Season, and attendees are invited to dress in their Derby finery. The event is sponsored by the Kentucky Cancer Program at UofL (KCP) and UofL’s James Graham Brown Cancer Center, a part of KentuckyOne Health.

Joining the event this year will be Gov. Steve Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear and Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen. Also speaking will be UofL President James R. Ramsey and James Graham Brown Cancer Center Director Donald M. Miller, M.D., Ph.D.

“All Louisville comes together at this time of year to celebrate the traditions and pageantry of the Kentucky Derby with the world,” Ramsey said. “And we come together at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center to celebrate everyone who has faced cancer. This event is a celebration of every person who has walked through our doors.”

“This is our opportunity to celebrate the courage of our patients,” Miller said. “I am always so moved every year when see the growing number of survivors and their loved ones at this event. Their victories over cancer are why we come to work every day.”

“Each year, we dedicate time for cancer survivors to celebrate and enjoy a day of food, fun and fellowship,” said organizer Pam Temple-Jennings of the KCP. “This year, we will feature a raffle for tickets to the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Pegasus Parade and entertainment from Turner’s Circus. We also are so pleased that Gov. and Mrs. Beshear, Lt. Gov. Luallen, President Ramsey and Dr. Miller will be joining us once again.”

The Pegasus Parade will be held shortly after the survivor celebration, beginning at 5 p.m. The parade route traverses Broadway and is an easy two-block walk from the survivor celebration.

Turner’s Circus is an aerial, Cirque-du-Soleil-like troupe that incorporates gymnastics, dance and aerial acrobatics into performances set to music.

For additional information, contact the KCP at 502-852-6318 or pam.templejennings@louisville.edu.

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