Thursday, July 5, 2012

As part of an initiative to give back to cancer communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meetings, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is recognizing The Center for Cancer Support and Education (The Center) in Arlington, Mass., for its efforts to empower and support people touched by cancer, their caregivers and loved ones.

The Center will receive a $10,000 grant from ASTRO's Survivor Circle grant program and participate in the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's 54th Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 28-31, 2012, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston. The Center is one of two groups chosen by ASTRO this year; the other is the SAMFund for Young Adult Survivors of Cancer, also in Boston.

"We are overjoyed to be selected by ASTRO for their Survivor Circle grant," Caroline Ronten, development director of The Center for Cancer Support and Education, said. "This grant will help fund our breast cancer, advanced cancer and brain cancer support groups in the coming year. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it is a life-changing event, and life is never the same again. We understand what life with cancer is like and offer the needed emotional support during and after treatment for patients and their family members."

The Survivor Circle was created by ASTRO to recognize leading organizations that support those living with a diagnosis of cancer. This year, it will focus on programs offered by Boston-area organizations that help cancer patients and their families cope with this disease. Within the Survivor Circle, located in the Resource Center at the ASTRO Annual Meeting, there is a place for attendees to learn more about The Center for Cancer Support and Education.

"In addition to providing cancer support for patients, The Center for Cancer Support and Education appreciates the significant impact that cancer has on patients' family members and loved ones," Michael Steinberg, MD, FASTRO, ASTRO president, said. "Their work through support groups and workshops is absolutely imperative to the treatment and recovery process for patients and their loved ones. This grant is definitely going to an amazing organization. Congratulations!"

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 10,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy. For more information on radiation therapy, visit www.rtanswers.org. To learn more about ASTRO, visit www.astro.org.

The Center for Cancer Support and Education is a small grassroots, high-impact organization that provides cancer support and wellness services to patients, caregivers, family members and health care professionals in Arlington, Mass., and surrounding communities in metropolitan Boston. The Center's efforts are focused on providing workshops and support groups at no or low cost to cancer survivors and their caregivers, regardless of where they are in their cancer journey.

For more information on The Center for Cancer Support and Education, visit the Survivor Circle exhibit at the ASTRO Annual Meeting October 28-31, 2012, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston or visit their website at www.centerforcancer.org.

For more information about ASTRO's 54th Annual Meeting, visit www.astro.org/Meetings-and-Events/2012-Annual-Meeting/Index.aspx.

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