Cancer can involve significant psychological, social, and economic challenges for patients. Many times, the joys of life are forgotten in the day to day struggle with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

With this in mind, Viva la Vida was begun in 1990 to give those who have faced cancer a day to forget about treatment and celebrate life. This event provides encouragement and hope, offering living proof that cancer can be survivable.  Viva la Vida has more than twelve hundred attendees each year.This event is held on the first Sunday in June in conjunction with the celebration of National Cancer Survivorship Day. Viva la Vida 2009 will be held at Santa Barbara City College, West Campus on Saturday, June 6th from 11 am to 3 pm.

Due to the generous support of corporations, foundations, and individuals, the event is free for all who attend - patients, family members and friends. Each patient receives a free T-shirt or hat to remember the day, and everyone attending is treated to lunch in addition to ice cream, popcorn, cookies and sno-cones. Continuous entertainment is provided by magicians, jugglers, clowns and musicians. Special activities and games are well attended by young and old alike. Over one hundred volunteers help plan and staff the event.

To receive an invitation, please submit your contact information below.