SEATTLE - More than 400 cancer survivors took part in a celebration of life aboard Holland America's Oosterdam Sunday.
It's amazing im a new survivor and its like a huge family, said Mary O'Dell, 2-Year Cancer Survivor.
The event was an opportunity for people to share stories of their struggles with the deadly disease.
The things I appreciate are so much more ..the things that I do...I got a second chance, said Teresa Harrison, 3-Year cancer survivor.
Survivors say cancer treatment is a lonely experience. This celebration allows them to feel part of community and shows they aren't alone.
It s a good feeling to have someone recognize you and say you re ok, thank you and we appreciate you, said Komen Puget Sound Executive Director Cheryl Shaw.
Komen Puget Sound is still feeling the effects of controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood from earlier this year.
Revenue is down 25 percent, equaling about $1 million less than 2011.
It's really about moving forward and making sure that we re doing all that we can do jointly to address the needs in our community, said Shaw.
Holland America is a long-time supporter of Komen Puget Sound. It hosted Sunday's celebration for free and has raised more than $3 million for the organization through onboard 5K walks it calls Komen On Deck.
