Fairfax, Va., September 1, 2011 – 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 Gilda's Club South Florida to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues.
Gilda's Club South Florida 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 Gilda's Club South Florida. Gilda's Club South Florida 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.
"Gilda's Club South Florida 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," Leonard L. Gunderson, President of ASTRO, said. "Our patients and their families rely on these support groups and we are excited to be working with a nationally recognized organization."
"We are thrilled to be an ASTRO Survivor Circle grant recipient!" Shelly Goren, CEO of Gilda's Club South Florida, said. "The grant will help us provide much needed support to newly diagnosed men and women and their friends and family who come to Gilda's Club looking for answers and hope."
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. For more information on radiation therapy, visit www.rtanswers.org. To learn more about ASTRO, visit www.astro.org.
Gilda's Club South Florida is a free cancer support community for women, men, children, and teens with all types of cancer and their families and friends. They offer networking groups, lectures, workshops, specialized children's and teen programs, and social events in a nonresidential, non-medical, home-like setting. The clubhouse is located in a historic home in downtown Fort Lauderdale on the Tarpon River.
For more information on Gilda's Club South Florida, please attend the ASTRO Annual Meeting October 2-6, 2011, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla., or visit their website at www.gildasclubsouthflorida.org. For more information on ASTRO or ASTRO's Annual Meeting, please visit www.astro.org.