June 3, 2005

Network conference connects cancer patients and survivors

The Network for Patients and Families — a peer-support program at the MGH Cancer Center for patients, family members, partners and friends living with a diagnosis of cancer — held its annual spring conference, "Building a Community of Cancer Survivors Through Information, Communication and Support," May 21 at the MGH. The conference offers an educational program and allows cancer patients and their families the chance to talk with others going through the same experiences as well as to provide support to one another.

The conference consisted of a wellness fair in the morning presented by the HOPES — Helping Our Patients and Families through Education and Support — program in the WACC lobby and an afternoon presentation in the O'Keeffe Auditorium. The wellness fair provided demonstrations and information about massage, qigong — a gentle exercise that combines physical movement and meditation — yoga, healing music, acupuncture, writing and art to reduce stress. The program featured "Re-Energize: Manage Fatigue Associated With Cancer," presented by William Pirl, MD, director of the MGH Cancer-Related Fatigue Clinic, and "Enhance Your Life: Mind, Body and Spirit," presented by Ann Webster, PhD, of the Mind Body Medical Institute.

A second fall conference will be held Oct. 22. To be placed on the Network conference mailing list, call the Cancer Resource Room at (617) 724-1822.

Left, conference attendees get massages.