Held on November 4, 2002 the inaugural When a Parent Has Cancer conference was a resounding success. Over 100 teachers, social workers, nurses, and guidance counselors gathered to learn how they can lend support and make a difference in the life of a child coping with a parent’s illness. Attendees gained a basic understanding of cancer - its demographics, current treatments and types. They received insight into effectively communicating with a child whose parent is diagnosed with cancer, by understanding children’s reactions, worries and feelings. A panel of parents and teens coping with parental cancer shared their stories, offered various ideas on how to lend support and stressed that each situation and child is different. The Conference also offered an opportunity for attendees to discuss and address their real-life situations and specific concerns and issues. This session was invaluable for future school and conference programming.

For session abstracts and speaker bios, please visit Sessions.

"This was a great day. We need so much more information and support for the emotional issues children face, than is usually available. Thank you for the Conference - and for the list of wonderful resources."

"I have attended many conferences on a multitude of topics. This has been one of the very best in terms of: powerful presentations, cogent and well-organized information, excellent pacing, good mix of lecture and panel and small group discussions. Wonderfully, comfortable facility."

"A classy, professional presentation."

"Thank you for making this day available."

Due to overwhelming response, The Wellness Community and Hurricane Voices are pleased to announce the When a Parent Has Cancer 2003 conference. If you have suggestions for next year’s conference sessions, please feel free to email us at info@hurricanevoices.org.

To receive more information regarding the upcoming Conference, please register online or contact Hurricane Voices at 617-928-3300.

With much appreciation, The Wellness Community and Hurricane Voices would like to thank the following contributors who helped to make this event a success:

• The Massachusetts Medical Society for the use of their state-of-the-art facilities.
  
• The Boston-area doctors who contributed their time and knowledge: Laura Basili, Ph.D., Harriet Berman, Ph.D., Stan Berman, Ph.D., Karen Fasciano, Psy.D., Nancy Frumer-Styron, Psy.D., and Beth Ann Lesnikoski, M.D.
  
• The parents and students who bravely shared their stories and experiences in an effort to help others.
  
• All of the participants whose enthusiasm and concern for their students created an atmosphere of mutual caring and support.
  

The Wellness Community – Greater Boston
The Wellness Community helps people with cancer fight for their recovery by providing free psychological and emotional support, as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment. For more information, please call 617-332-1919 or write: 1320 Centre Street, Suite 305, Newton Centre, MA 02459.

Hurricane Voices
Through the combined power of many voices, we raise awareness, incite activity, and break down the barriers to progress in pursuit of the cause of and cure for breast cancer. For more information, please call 617-928-3300, or write: 1340 Centre Street, Suite 208, Newton, MA 02459.

© Copyright 2002 Hurricane Voices Breast Cancer Foundation and The Wellness Community. All rights reserved.
 

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