As part of an initiative to give back to the communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meetings, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with Gilda's Club Chicago to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues.
Gilda's Club Chicago will work with ASTRO by participating in the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's 51st Annual Meeting, scheduled for November 1-5, 2009, at McCormick Place West in Chicago. The Survivor Circle was created to recognize those living with a diagnosis of cancer. This year, it will focus on the programs offered by Chicago-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 this Gilda's Club. Gilda's Club received this opportunity, along with a $10,000 grant, through the Survivor Circle Grant Program. They were one of two groups chosen from 10 applications received this year.
"We are excited to work with such a well-established, nationally recognized organization," Tim R. Williams, President of ASTRO said. "Our patients and their families rely on the programs offered by groups like Gilda's Club Chicago and their programs are fully deserving of this grant and the opportunity to educate our members about the work they do to assist those living with cancer."
"We are honored to be selected by ASTRO to receive this grant and to be showcased at their exciting 51st Annual Meeting," LauraJane Hyde, CEO of Gilda's Club Chicago noted. "To be able to connect their global leadership with the work we are doing in Chicago to build welcoming communities for those affected by cancer is a great partnership."
ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 10,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy. The organization also provides information to help patients learn about their treatment options on its patient Web site www.rtanswers.org.
Gilda's Club Chicago is a not-for-profit organization that creates welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens and children along with their families and friends. For more information on Gilda's Club Chicago, please attend the ASTRO Annual Meeting November 1-5, 2009, at McCormick Place West in Chicago or visit their Web site at http://www.gildasclubchicago.org/. For more information on ASTRO or ASTRO's Annual Meeting, please visit www.astro.org.