Few things in life are as devastating as a cancer diagnosis. Be it bladder or breast, pancreas or prostate, a patient who is told “cancer” suffers through a lot of initial uncertainty.

Many ask the obvious questions of their physicians: Is it treatable? What are my options? How long do I have? In the past, it was not uncommon to think of cancer as a death sentence.

But with advances in medicine and other treatment alternatives, that has changed over the years.

Want proof? Spend this afternoon at the sixth-annual Cancer Survivors Day event at First Church of Christ hosted by the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center. The event is a local observance of National Cancer Survivors Day which is held yearly in many communities around the world.

Cancer Survivors Day is a celebration of life and the message that “life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality.”

Cancer survivors of all ages will provide the entertainment during the third-annual Survivors Got Talent variety show. Most are not shy when it comes to discussing their stories of survival. Their triumph over adversity serves as an inspiration to others. You will not be disappointed.

The Cancer Survivors Day event at First Church of Christ begins at 2 p.m. today. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.