Cancer Survivors’ Day Conference set for June 18
For every cancer patient who is still on therapy or who is now cancer-free, there are millions of family members, caregivers or friends who have walked alongside them during the long and emotional journey.
All of these cancer “survivors” are encouraged to attend this year’s free Survivors’ Day Conference and Celebration, “Cancer GPS: Navigating Your Journey,” at Vanderbilt’s Student Life Center, Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Linda Armstrong Kelly, mother of Tour de France winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, will be the keynote speaker for the conference. During the lunch break, she will be signing copies of her book, "No Mountain High Enough: Raising Lance, Raising Me."
This year’s event will feature several breakout sessions focusing on topics for survivors and families of all ages. Parents of childhood cancer survivors will learn about coping with the physical and educational issues affecting children with cancer.
Young adults can focus on cancer and the law, adult cancer survivors will hear more about the intimacy and emotional challenges of cancer survivorship, and there will be a special educational session designed for caregivers of cancer patients.
Additional seminars will provide the latest information about nutrition, mindfulness activities and sleep issues. Participants are invited to attend as few or as many sessions as they can manage.
In addition to the educational seminars, there will be a special Kids’ Zone with activities for children under age 12.
The conference will end with a celebration of survivorship and a special musical performance by Beth Nielsen Chapman, singer, songwriter and breast cancer survivor.
Valet parking will be available and lunch and refreshments will be served.
The conference is sponsored by the Tennessee Cancer Coalition, Gilda’s Club Nashville and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
For more information, call 936-0322 or visit www.vanderbiltsurvivorday.org to register for the event.