Contact Information:

To register for this free event call (802) 847-3919
deborah.drury@vtmednet.org

Full Details:

EXPLORING SURVIVORSHIP-

A Free Program for Survivors and their Loved Ones

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8:00 am – 8:30 am WELCOME

Come meet other survivors and enjoy some light refreshments

8:30 am – 9:30 am SURVIVORS DIALOGUE

A unique panel of Cancer Survivors will candidly discuss their experiences. This diverse group will briefly share their stories about living through their cancer diagnosis, treatment and how they have approach their daily lives. Ask questions and learn how their experiences can help you live more fully today!

Dr. Cheung Wong will moderate the survivor panel consisting of: Kelly Carpenter; Colon Cancer Survivor; Eileen Casey; Osteo Sarcoma and Amputee; Kay Cromie; Multiple Myeloma; Sherry Daniels; Breast & Ovarian Cancer Survivor; Patricia McDonald; Breast Cancer Survivor and Tracie Wright; Breast Cancer Survivor.

9:30 am – 10:30 am THRIVING on the JOURNEY

Dr. O’Brien was practicing primary care medicine until cancer redirected her life. A decade after her breast cancer, she continues to tirelessly strive to make a difference in her professional work as well as patient advocacy efforts. Her dedication and first hand knowledge of survivorship brings a renewed energy to the challenges we are left to navigate such as fear, lymphedema, sex, fatigue, psychosocial, job and money.

10:45 am – 11:45 am Love, Live, and Laugh!

Join us in a fun, interactive session exploring some truths about happiness and the value of life’s choices as you travel roads you never imagined. Sister Pat will discuss the importance of humor and laughter while striving for an increased sense of well being. You’re sure to laugh out loud as she shares her meaningful insights in this enlightening session.

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Dr. Patti O’Brien, is well-known for her dedication and advocacy work on behalf of cancer survivors through the Lymphedema Clinic in the Breast Care Center at FAHC; the Breast Care Conference and the Stowe Weekend of Hope. Dr. O’Brien was treated for stage IIIB breast cancer over a decade ago and has a passion for improving the quality of life for survivors.

Sister Patricia McKittrick, RN is the coordinator of Health Ministries Faith in Action Programs, Community Health Improvement of FAHC. She is very involved in community collaborative programs. Sister Pat is a frequent presenter on topics focused on the power of humor, and laughter to improve our lives, to promote the healing process and to help us find daily happiness.

Eileen Casey is an account executive with WCAX-TV, ’81 graduate of Saint Michael’s College, mother of three children and resides in South Burlington. She is a cancer survivor (osteo sarcoma) and amputee and recently helped pass Vermont’s Prosthesis Parity bill signed by Governor Douglas in April.

Kelly Carpenter of Essex Junction is 29 years old and last year, eight days following her graduation from Johns Hopkins with a nursing degree, she was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. After surgery and during her chemo, she took a job at FAHC as an RN on Shepardson 4. She has been active with the Cancer Patient Support Program and when her chemo ended, she held a celebration fundraiser and raised over $3000 for this program that she feels helped her ‘survive’ the mental and emotional trials of treatment.

Kay Cromie of Colchester was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in November of 2003. At the time, she was given a very grim prognosis. She received a full stem cell transplant and has had a remarkable recovery. Kay started a support group for survivors and is very active with the International Myeloma Foundation.

Sherry Daniels of Richmond, Vermont was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 and nine months later with ovarian cancer. She has been active and involved in cancer related events and causes, since the 80’s when her sister was diagnosed, and was named the Susan B. Komen VT/NH Survivor of the Year in 2004. She is on the board of the Eleanor B. Daniels Fund.

Pat McDonald's 40-year career includes 27 years’ experience working in the private sector and 13 years in state government, serving in 7 appointed positions under Governors Snelling, Dean and Douglas. In addition to being a State Representative, serving in 2007 on the House Education Committee and in 2008 on the House Government Operations Committee, she also serves as Chair of the Berlin Select Board and is an active member of numerous regional and local charities, committees and boards. Pat is a two-time breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2000 and 2006 and is publicity chair for Central Vermont Relay For Life.

Tracie Wright was diagnosed with breast cancer during the seventh month of her fourth pregnancy. After an intense ten months of new adjustments and treatment, she returned to her active life as a homemaker, school volunteer, church volunteer, mother and wife. Tracie lives in Jericho with her four daughters, supportive husband and Newfoundland.

Cheung Wong, M.D. is the Director of Gynecologic Oncology at UVM/FAHC and is a faculty member at the UVM College of Medicine. His practice includes evaluating and treating women with pre-invasive and invasive gynecologic malignancies. Dr Wong’s research interests include studying the biology of ovarian cancer and possible molecular markers to identify ovarian cancer. Dr Wong founded the Eleanor B. Daniels Fund in 2004.