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Survivor's Day recognizes everyone as heroes by Cindy Abole Public Relations Charleston native Jennie Lamb celebrated 11 years of life on May 16. But unlike most people, this 25-year-old was not recognizing a birthday, she was celebrating the day she beat cancer and joined the ranks of millions as a survivor.    Last Sunday, Lamb was at another celebration along with 109 cancer survivors, 65 volunteers, survivor's families and others at the Lowcountry's own National Cancer Survivor's Day Celebration of Life event at Liberty Square Park by the South Carolina Aquarium. More than 400 people attended the afternoon event which was sponsored by MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and South Carolina Aquarium.    Lamb was only 14 years old when she was diagnosed with an aggressive astrocytoma or brain tumor in 1989. Her doctors told her family that there was little chance for her survival. The surgery and the stroke that followed left her with some loss of function and movement.   Today, she's a healthy young lady who credits the help offered by occupational therapy assistant professor Jerry Burik and former Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation director James Warmoth, M.D., for helping her physically and mentally recover. She readily volunteers her time sharing her own personal story about survival with health professions students in training.   “I've learned to look at life in a different direction now,” said Lamb, crediting her family for their strength. “My doctors gave me no hope to survive with the tumor. I did the opposite and completely turned around. I wouldn't be walking today if it weren't for the doctors and medical care given to me.”   Throughout her recovery, Lamb relied on family and medical staff for relief. There is no local support group for Lamb's type of cancer.    “It's important for some people who are dealing with cancer to have a support group beyond family and friends,” Lamb said. “Besides family, there was no particular group for me to turn to for guidance and advice as I learned to cope with the disease and my recovery.”          The event featured children's activities such as face painting and live exhibits. Right photo: The celebration cake was created and donated by Johnson and Wales pastry chefs Frances Barnett, Aubrey McKnight, Christian Sink and Marcel Massenett.   During the event, survivors were celebrated. They participated in a health fair, enjoyed exhibits, listened to the inspiring words of guest speaker and Cancer Awareness Program Services chairperson Zora Brown and received a special “Celebration of Life” medal among many activities.          She said she enjoyed volunteering for the Lowcountry's first cancer survivor's day event and meeting other cancer survivors.    “When I heard the survivor's names and years they survived announced, chills ran up and down my body,” Lamb said. She was especially touched to see young children step forward as survivors.   Lamb was inspired to help others by the positive comments she received from Warmoth during her years of rehabilitation at MUSC.    “Jennie, you're doing the right thing meeting with other people and telling your story,” Warmoth said of Lamb. “Remember, there are not many people like you. It's a great thing that you go out of your way to share your own story and struggles. What you do helps to encourage others.”          For more information about National Cancer Survivor Day, visit the national Web site at <http://www.ncsdf.org>.