Inova Life with Cancer to Host Childhood Cancer Survivors Conference

Nationally Renowned Experts to Address Concerns of Young Survivors

Fairfax, VA  – (July 20, 2009) – Inova Life with Cancer is pleased to host the 2009 Childhood Cancer Survivors Conference on Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dewberry Life with Cancer Family Center, 8411 Pennell Street Fairfax, VA 22031. The conference – officially titled I’m Cured … Now What? A Conference for Teen and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer – will focus on medical and psychosocial concerns facing teen and young adult survivors of childhood cancer. Nationally renowned cancer experts will provide information on the long-term effects of treatment, helping survivors better advocate for themselves and lead healthy and productive lives.

“We’re pleased to have received a generous grant from the National Children’s Cancer Society for this program and to be collaborating with other national and local organizations that do such great work helping children with cancer,” said Gordon Hay, director, Life with Cancer. “As part of Inova’s commitment to the communities we serve, we’re constantly working to provide vital education and information to all our patients. This conference will shed new light on what young cancer survivors need and what the healthcare system should be offering them.”

Josh Sundquist, childhood cancer survivor and U.S. Paralympics skier, and Nancy Keene, author and advocate for children with cancer, will lead discussions on managing childhood cancer.

The conference will also highlight issues such as:

• Fertility
• Stress-Busters and Complementary Therapies
• Nutrition and Bone Health
• Dating and Disclosure
• Tips and resources for survivors and their parents

The conference is free and includes lunch and beverages. Each participant will receive signed copies of the books Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Practical Guide to Your Future, by Nancy Keene and Wendy Hobbie, and A Leg Up, by Josh Sundquist. Sponsors include The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, DC Candlelighters, Growing Hope, and Special Love, Inc.

Space is limited and registration is required. Participants can register at www.lifewithcancer.org. For more information, contact Connie Connor at 703-531-1515 or constance.connor@inova.org.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.