Okemos woman tells story of conquering cancer at Sparrow Cancer Survivors Day Picnic
Published: Sept. 10, 2013
Lisa Rucker of Okemos was told six years ago to get her affairs in order because she had terminal cancer.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, she'll exult with her fellow survivors at the 19th Annual Sparrow Cancer Center National Cancer Survivors Day Picnic at the Marshall Street Armory, 330 Marshall St., Lansing.
The free event, from 1-3 p.m., is a life-affirming celebration in which hundreds of cancer survivors swap touching and courageous stories about their journeys. It includes a picnic, children's activities, music, and more. Free parking is available in the Lansing Catholic High School parking lot.
"I can't wait to see those other survivors who've gone through the things they've gone through," said Rucker, a picnic volunteer and a Sparrow caregiver who works as a billing clerk for Sparrow Medical Group.
Rucker, who was diagnosed with melanoma, noted that attendees proudly wear tags displaying how many years they have survived cancer.
"It's like, oh my gosh, I'm glad you're still here. (I want) to say, 'Hey we're here, we're not going anywhere and can't nobody put a date on us.'"
For more information about the Cancer Survivors Day Picnic, call 517.364.2689. For more information about the Sparrow Cancer Center, visit Sparrow.org/Cancer.