Cancer Patients, Survivors Celebrate Life Sept. 6-8

Hundreds of cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, family members, supporters and health care professionals from around Texas and the nation will gather Sept. 6 to 8 at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside for the 13th annual "Living Fully with Cancer" patient conference presented by the Anderson Network, the unique patient support organization of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Speakers at the celebration, which usually attracts about 900 people, include Dr. Jerri Nielsen, the medical doctor stranded at the South Pole who performed her own biopsy for breast cancer and then self-administered chemotherapy; and cancer survivors Hamilton Jordan, White House chief of staff during the Carter administration; and Bob Losure, former prime-time anchor for CNN. Also speaking will be Houstonian Ron Bliss, a lawyer who is a cancer survivor and was a pilot in Vietnam, where he spent more than six years as a prisoner of war.

In addition, Dr. John Mendelsohn, president of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, will head a panel of physicians and researchers who will field questions on new treatments and research.

This annual event also offers 27 different breakout sessions at which doctors, nurses and health care professionals share the latest information on cancer research, treatment and care, as well as coping skills and ways to enhance quality of life. New this year, preconference Wellness Workshops will offer a sampling of complementary and integrative medicine, including yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, massage, aromatherapy and journaling.

The $60 registration fee includes all sessions and meals. Other activities include a beach party mixer, a banquet, and a "Celebration of Life" birthday party, complete with cake and prizes.

Just before the event's conclusion, approximately 100 motorcycle enthusiasts will roar onto the scene, riding from the Texas Medical Center on Harley-Davidsons and Hondas.

The conference is open to all cancer patients, regardless of where they received treatment. For more information about the Anderson Network or to register for the conference, call (713) 792-2553 in Houston, or toll free at 1-800-345-6324. Registration forms are also available online at http://www.mdanderson.org.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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