Yet again, the When a Parent Has Cancer: Strengthening the School's Response conference was hugely successful. This year, teachers, nurses and school personnel from more than 85 schools attended the Conference to learn how to better support families coping with parental cancer. There were new sessions, as well as some of the same, focusing on a parent that has been ill for years, a parent's death, communication with both expressive and non-communicative children, as well as a basic understanding of cancer and its demographics.

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.

For session abstracts and speaker bios, please visit Sessions.

"Wonderful, timely, helpful conference. I needed a space to focus on these issues outside the context of my busy school day. I know the information will be used extensively."

"Conference was outstanding! It is so reassuring that there is a level of care, concern, support and education for children, families and caregivers. Thanks so much."

"Very enjoyable and informative conference. Best conference I have ever attended! I am looking forward to the next one. Thanks for providing such relevant information."

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

• The Boston-area doctors who contributed their time and knowledge: Laura Basili, Ph.D., Harriet Berman, Ph.D., Karen Fasciano, Psy.D., Nancy Frumer-Styron, Psy.D., Paula Rauch, M.D., Dr. Richard Penson, Sharon Bober, Ph.D., and Anna Muriel, 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: 1039 Chestnut Street, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464.

Hurricane Voices Breast Cancer Foundation
Through the combined power of many voices, Hurricane Voices raises public consciousness, incites action and breaks down the barriers to progress in pursuit of the causes and cures for breast cancer. For more information, please call 617-928-3300, or write: 1340 Centre Street, Suite 208, Newton, MA 02459.

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