ASTRO, Cancer Support Community Greater Miami partner to raise awareness on survivorship issues

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 Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues.

The Cancer Support Community Greater Miami will work with ASTRO by participating in the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 2-6, 2011, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla. The Survivor Circle was created to recognize those living with a diagnosis of cancer. This year, it will focus on the programs offered by Miami-area cancer organizations helping patients and their families cope with this disease. Within the Survivor Circle, there is a place for attendees to learn more about the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami. The Cancer Support Community Greater Miami received this opportunity, along with a $10,000 grant, through the Survivor Circle Grant Program. They were one of two groups chosen from the applications received this year.

"The Cancer Support Community recognizes the number of people that are affected by cancer whether they are cancer patients, cancer survivors, caregivers or family members," Leonard L. Gunderson, President of ASTRO said. "The workshops and psychosocial services available through Cancer Support Community are vital to the well-being of patients and their families and offer a calm environment during an otherwise traumatic time. This group represents true outreach support."

"The Cancer Support Community is grateful to ASTRO for their support and for their making it possible for us to reach out to more individuals in the underserved communities who are in desperate need of support as they battle this disease," Peggy Rios, PhD, of the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami, said. "The opportunity to have a presence at the ASTRO conference is priceless as it is one of the largest and most respected oncology conferences."