More than 500 people turned out for Sacramento's first National Cancer Survivors Day celebration on Sunday, June 1. Survivors and supporters lined up for ice cream, snow cones and lemonade, enjoyed music by three area bands and shared stories of hope and courage.

Ruthie Bolton, a Sacramento Monarchs star, opened festivities with a moving a cappella rendition of "Amazing Grace." Other grace notes: Yo-yo demonstrations by the world's number-two ranked yo-yo expert, karate demonstrations by area karate kids and a release of 50 white birds.

National Cancer Survivors Day was established 16 years ago by Richard A. Bloch, co-founder of the H&R Block tax preparation giant. The event is now celebrated in more than 700 communities throughout North America on the first Sunday each June. The day honors all people around the world who are living with a history of cancer.

Sacramento's first celebration was sponsored by the UC Davis Cancer Center and held in the recently dedicated Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Park at UC Davis Medical Center, at the corner of Stockton Boulevard and Second Avenue.