As part of an initiative to give back to the cancer communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meetings, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with The Wellness Community of Philadelphia to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues.

Volunteers from The Wellness Community of Philadelphia will join forces with ASTRO by participating in the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's 48th Annual Meeting, scheduled for November 5-9, 2006, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. The Survivor Circle was created to recognize and honor those who are living with a diagnosis of cancer. This year, it will focus on the programs offered by Philadelphia-area cancer organizations to help patients and their families cope with this disease. Within the Survivor Circle, there is a place for visitors to learn more about The Wellness Community of Philadelphia, the programs it provides and to make donations. One hundred percent of all donations collected will be given to support cancer programs in the Philadelphia area.

"We are excited to work with such a well-established, nationally recognized organization," said Prahbakar Tripuraneni, M.D., Chair of ASTRO. "By joining together, we hope to raise funds for their important programs while educating our members on the important work this group does on behalf of people living with a diagnosis of cancer."

"We are honored to be selected by ASTRO to be a part of this outstanding conference," says Kimerly Hinkelman, executive director of The Wellness Community of Philadelphia. "Every day, The Wellness Community Philadelphia provides free support, education and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones.  Participants are empowered by the 'patient active model' which encourages them to have input on their treatment options. This tells us we are doing it right and that others feel the same way."

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 8,500 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the 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. Nearly 11,000 healthcare professionals are expected at ASTRO's Annual Meeting.

The Wellness Community of Philadelphia is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a full range of services in a home-like setting which are designed to complement medical treatment and include psychological support, mind-body and stress management instruction, educational workshops, exercise classes and social activities. The Wellness Community offers support and networking groups during weekly meetings with licensed clinical psychotherapists, free of charge.

            For more information on The Wellness Community of Philadelphia, please attend the ASTRO Annual Meeting November 5-9, 2006, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center or visit their Web site at twcp. For more information on ASTRO, please visit astro.

    American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 500
Fairfax, VA 22031
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