Partnership to Raise Awareness of Cancer Survivorship

As part of its continued efforts to give back to the cancer communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meetings, the Fairfax, Virginia-based American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with CURE Childhood Cancer to raise awareness of cancer survivorship. Based in Atlanta, CURE Childhood Cancer – Georgia’s oldest and most successful children’s cancer organization – is a non-profit organization dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families.

CURE will work with ASTRO by participating in the Survivor Circle exhibit at the Society’s 46th Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 3-7, 2004, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Created to recognize those who are battling cancer, the Survivor Circle focuses on the programs offered by local organizations to help patients and their families cope with their treatments. Within the Survivor Circle, there is a place for visitors to view photos of activities CURE offers to patients, survivors and their families, to learn more about CURE and to leave donations. One hundred percent of the tax deductible donations collected will be given to local cancer programs.

“We are excited to continue to enhance the patient focus of our meeting,” said Theodore S. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., President of ASTRO. “The Survivor Circle was an excellent addition to our meeting last year and we look forward to partnering with CURE Childhood Cancer this year to share the focus of what we do with those who benefit from it.”

“CURE was founded at a time when barely three out of 10 children with cancer survived,” said Jill George, CURE Childhood Cancer’s Executive Director. “Today, thanks to clinical and laboratory research, seven out of 10 children with cancer survive. Our mission is to fund cancer research and offer support programs and love to cancer-stricken children and their families. Until every child diagnosed with cancer can be healed, CURE will be here to help make each child’s life a success story.”

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 7,500 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As a leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to the advancement of the practice of radiation oncology by promoting excellence in patient care, providing opportunities for educational and professional development, promoting research and disseminating research results and representing radiation oncology in a rapidly evolving socioeconomic healthcare environment. The ASTRO Annual Meeting typically draws nearly 10,000 healthcare professionals and exhibitors.