Newswise — As part of an initiative to give back to the cancer communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meetings, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with The Wellness Community " Greater Boston to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues.
Volunteers from The Wellness Community will join forces with ASTRO by participating in the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's 50th Annual Meeting, scheduled for September 21-25, 2008, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston. The Survivor Circle was created to recognize those living with a diagnosis of cancer. This year, it will focus on the programs offered by Boston-area cancer organizations that help patients and their families cope with this disease. Within the Survivor Circle, there is a place for attendees to learn more about this Wellness Community with its five locations in the greater Boston area, the programs they provide and make donations. One hundred percent of all donations collected will be given to support cancer programs in the Boston area.
"We are excited to work with such a well-established, nationally recognized organization," said Patricia Eifel, President of ASTRO. "By joining together, we hope to raise funds for important cancer survivorship programs while educating our members on the important work this group does on behalf of people living with a diagnosis of cancer."
"We are honored to partner with ASTRO and to participate at their exciting 50th Annual Meeting," noted Ron Lipof, President/CEO of The Wellness Community " Greater Boston. "Their global leadership is an excellent example of what can be achieved when we all face cancer together."
Through the Survivor Circle, ASTRO also works to recognize a local cancer survivor who works to give back to the community. The awardee receives a cash prize of $1,000 to keep or donate to a support organization. Visit http://www.astro.org/Patients/SurvivorCircle/SurvivorCircleAward/index.asp to learn more about this award and to nominate an individual.
ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 9,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy. The organization also provides information to help patients learn about their treatment options on its patient Web site http://www.rtanswers.org.
The Wellness Community " Greater Boston is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free support, education and stress management programs to people with cancer and their loved ones. Through participation in professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition, exercise programs and mind/body classes, people affected by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope regardless of the stage of their disease.
For more information on The Wellness Community " Greater Boston, please attend the ASTRO Annual Meeting September 21-25, 2008, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center or visit their Web site at http://www.wellnesscommunity.org. For more information on ASTRO or ASTRO's Annual Meeting, please visit http://www.astro.org.
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