Event encourages, celebrates North Texans battling, surviving breast cancer

Posted Friday, Oct. 02, 2009 Comments   (0) Print Share Share Reprints
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The American Cancer Society’s annual Breast Cancer Forum is gearing up to celebrate survivors, who will be gathering on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Will Rogers Memorial Center’s Round-Up Inn in Fort Worth.

Themed "Painting the Town Pink with Hope," the free event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., bringing together breast cancer survivors, those currently under treatment, caregivers and anyone interested in celebrating the lives of those who have breast cancer.

"As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand the fear that strikes our heart when we hear that we have cancer. We always think of this in terms of it happening to someone else and it is overwhelming when it happens to you," said Sherree Bennett, RN, Certified Breast Health Nurse Navigator, Baylor All Saints Medical Center, Joan Katz Breast Center, who will be this year’s master of ceremonies.

"But even in the midst of battling this incredible foe, women are still able to find the blessings in their life.

"Men and women alike fight for their lives in the face of cancer and come out the winner," Bennett said. "We are here to celebrate every stage of the journey and share the hope of survivorship and many more birthdays."

Representatives from the American Cancer Society and other organizations will be on hand to answer questions and showcase products and services for breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.

Thanks to advances in early detection and treatment more women than ever are conquering the disease, resulting in significantly reduced death rates. Awareness and early detection of breast cancer through mammography greatly improves treatment options, the chances for successful treatment, and survival.

Support groups give survivors the tools for beating cancer and sharing their hope.

Patti Ramos, Health Initiatives community manager for the American Cancer Society, said the goal of this year’s forum is to encourage and remind breast cancer patients that there is life after the disease.

"The American Cancer Society is thrilled that October has become so thoroughly associated with breast cancer awareness," Ramos said. "A great deal of attention is now being given to the prevention and survivorship of this disease."

For more information, call ACS at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

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