NEWS

Abigail Sisco
864-123-1234
asisco109@andersonuniversity.edu
316 Boulevard SC, Anderson, 29621 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Andersonuniversity.edu June 2, 2022

New Easley Cancer Survivor Park Establishes Community Programs

Easley, SC -- To commemorate and aid those with cancer and those supporting friends or

family with cancer, community programs will be established at new park by cancer advocacy

group Cancer Survivor Park Alliance (CSPA) alongside Doodle Trail at 11:00 a.m.

The Park will feature gardens with walking paths as well as supporting community

programs. The programs are designed to offer local cancer survivors community aid and support.

Offering educational details, the gardens will also have a pleasant space for viewing local artists’

work. “CSPA’s efforts empower whole communities by bringing people together to improve the

lives of cancer survivors.” Said CSPA Community Advocate and Leader Karla Elrod.

The opening ceremony will be held on National Cancer Survivors Day June 5, 11:00 a.m.

at the front entrance of the park. Details about the event as well as reservations for the event can

be found at the CSPA website cansersurvivorpark.org. For a preview of the park, individuals can

see photos of the grounds on their Instagram @cansersurvivorspark.

The community-focused park will be funded 50% by private donations and 50% by the City of

Easley. President of CSPA Tom Bates will be present at the opening ceremony to speak about

plans for the park and thank the donors. “We are proud to be able to take part in this lifechanging

program and support the community of Easley,” said Easley mayor Butch Womack.

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Cancer Survivor Park Alliance to Host Opening Ceremony for New Park Dedicated to

Cancer Survivors

June 2, 2022

What: Cancer Survivor Park Alliance (CSPA) will be holding an event in celebration for the

brand-new park opening on National Cancer Survivor Day. The CSPA grounds will showcase

local artists’ contributions as well as house community programs designed for those with cancer

and those whose loved ones have cancer. CSPA President Tom Bates, who lost his own daughter

to cancer, will begin the ceremony to mark the dedication of the park for cancer survivors and

thank the donors and the city of Easley.

Where: Cancer Survivors Park located along Doodle Trail on 514 Fleetwood Dr, Easley, SC

When: Sunday, June 5, 2022

Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

Event begins at 11:00 a.m.

Who: CSPA President Tom Bates will start the ceremony along with Easley Mayor Butch

Womack, who will speak about plans for the park. Tom Bates, CSPA president since 2018, lost

his own daughter at the age of 29 to colon cancer in 2016.

RSVP: Contact Abigail Sisco at asisco109@andersonuniversity.edu or 864-123-1234

 Opening Ceremony Speech

Good afternoon, I am honored to present to you another park dedicated to the lives of some very

important members of our community. My name is Tom Bates, and I am the Board President of

Cancer Survivors Park Alliance. This company came to fruition through the determined men and

women like you who saw that too many people were battling cancer alone. To speak on behalf of

the company, I want to say that we are honored to present to you the development of this park. I

lost my own daughter to colon cancer, and while I still grieve, it gives me hope to see you

support the cancer survivors and care providers of your community. It is our hope that this

community can use this park to be a part of change--and change the status quo on how cancer

survivors should live.

As many of you know, and as some of you have experienced firsthand, cancer can take different

forms and affect lives in countless ways. The toll of cancer treatment can have varying impacts

on the lives of those receiving it. From physical appearance to more hidden struggles with energy

and mental health, rarely anyone is prepared for that kind of battle. And unfortunately, many are

under the misconception that they are alone in that struggle because of how it effects their very

being and way of life. From years of working with cancer survivors we have found that there is a

discrepancy. Whether it is lack thereof or not enough awareness, those living with cancer and

care providers are not receiving the education or support that they could be receiving from their

own community. Too few cancer survivors have the access to the resources they need to improve

their lives after cancer. With the educational programs to accompany this park, I believe we can

change that. But that means we need your participation, too.

Often it is the hidden struggles that we feel we must endure alone. But no one should have to

battle cancer alone. Realistically it is hard for patients and care providers to find others to
connect with. Cancer tends to consume time, and to be frank, hospitals are not the most

encouraging places to meet people. That is why we wanted a park, a place of peace and

inspiration to be a place of connection for survivors. A place to connect and encourage each

other to a way of life in community and outside of isolation.

We are truly stronger together. Together we have the power to significantly change and

appreciate the lives of those living with cancer. I encourage you to take the next step for cancer

awareness. Whether it is finding yourself in one of the educational programs or making a friend

on a park bench, you are making a difference. So, I thank you all for your commitment to this

park and the greater need of cancer awareness.