The UAB Comprehensive Cancer, Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic and the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology will be holding its first communitywide conference for young cancer survivors ages 15-39. The event will be from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Wallace Tumor Institute, 1824 Sixth Ave South.
Leonard Sender, M.D., chairman of Stupid Cancer, the largest adolescent and young adult cancer survivor’s advocacy group in the United States, will be the featured keynote speaker. He is also chief of the pediatric oncology division at Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California at Irvine.
“Even with the tremendous successes in pediatric oncology, more and more adolescents and young adults are surviving cancer but living with long-term side effects and issues,” said Teri W. Hoenemeyer, director of education and supportive services at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Because of what they have been through, they may face feelings of social isolation, or even have some lifestyle challenges. If the conference is successful, we hope the outcome will be a social network for young cancer survivors in Birmingham.”
Topics and workshops at the conference include: treatment effects, preserving fertility, honest talk about social relationships, guided meditation from the yoga mat, a drumming circle, understanding good nutrition and exercise, and a panel discussion to share experiences and network.
For more information contact Teri Hoenemeyer at 205-934-5772 or tgw318@uab.edu.