Cancer survivor to get married at Backus event
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NORWICH - Breast cancer survivor Sharon Kantzios plans to bring her message of hope to Backus Hospital's Cancer Survivors Day on Saturday, Oct. 4, in a unique way - by getting married at the event.
Approximately 800 local cancer survivors, their families and caregivers are expected to attend the annual celebration of survivorship, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. under a tent on the Backus Hospital grounds.
RuthAnn Lobo, a cancer survivor and mother of former UConn women's basketball standout Rebecca Lobo, will be the keynote speaker at the event, which also includes free lunch, prizes, free massages and a health fair.
The date is nearly one year after Kantzios was diagnosed and also happens to be her sister's 10th wedding anniversary. Her sister, who is a lung cancer survivor, plans to attend the event.
Ms. Kantzios met Ron Gideon, her fiancé, a year before her diagnosis and just got engaged in August. From attending a breast cancer support group, she heard stories of spouses or partners not being supportive.
"I want to show people even though a diagnosis can be devastating, there can be positive sides too," she said. "Ron makes me laugh and he really has been there for me through it all."