Anderson Network's 21st Annual Patient and Caregiver Conference Celebrates 'The Strength Within' Sept. 10-12

Newswise — The Anderson Network at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is delighted to welcome Hoda Kotb, co-anchor for the fourth hour of TODAY, a Dateline NBC correspondent and host of the weekly syndicated series "Your Total Health," as the keynote speaker for Anderson Network's 21st annual Living With, Through and Beyond Cancer conference Sept. 10-12.

Kotb is also a breast cancer survivor who had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2007. At first, she was reluctant to share her cancer story, but a stranger on an airplane urged her to reach out to others with cancer. Kotb decided to use what she had learned to help others.

The 2009 conference theme, "The Strength Within," acknowledges the inner resources and grace cancer patients and survivors like Kotb find essential for their journey and recovery.

Held at the Houston Marriott Westchase, the conference offers participants the opportunity to learn more about the issues cancer survivors face, meet and share with other survivors, take wellness classes and have fun.

Other speakers include M. D. Anderson clinical professor and cancer survivor Martin Raber, M.D., and humorist Charles Petty, Ph.D.

Open to all cancer patients, their families and caregivers, the conference includes a breakout session spotlighting the M. D. Anderson Young Breast Cancer Survivors' Program, which will offer a lively panel for questions and answers.

The popular medical panel on Saturday morning will be led by M. D. Anderson President John Mendelsohn, M.D.

A sampling of the nearly two dozen conference breakout sessions includes:

* Navigating the world of health insurance

* Dermatology issues

* Fear of recurrence

* Young adult survivors

* Proton therapy

* Caregivers' feelings

As always, a number of complementary and integrative modalities are offered by Place ... of wellness - tai chi, qigong, music therapy, aromatherapy, journaling and safe massage techniques.

Thanks to M. D. Anderson, conference sponsors and individual donors, the cost of the conference is just $75, which includes all meals, activities and self-parking. Registration is available online until Sept. 4.

For more information or to register, call 713-792-2553 or log on to the web site at www.mdanderson.org/patientconference. The Anderson Network, an organization with support and educational services for patients/survivors, their families and caregivers, is a program of the Department of Volunteer Services.

About M. D. Anderson

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. M. D. Anderson is one of only 40 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. For four of the past six years, including 2008, M. D. Anderson has ranked No. 1 in cancer care in "America's Best Hospitals," a survey published annually in U.S. News & World Report.