PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook Medical Center, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, is hosting “Courage in the County,” a northern Maine cancer symposium that features informational sessions, an open discussion with a panel of cancer survivors, and an inspiring keynote address by young cancer survivor Hadley McLean and her parents.
The symposium, free to the public, is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the McCain Conference Rooms at TAMC. Organizers will offer county cuisine to attendees during the lunch hour.
One of the first events scheduled for the day is a keynote speech by Tim, Holly and Hadley McLean. Physicians diagnosed Hadley with brain cancer in April 2011, and the McLeans’ journey has included complications from surgery, intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and rehabilitation. The McLeans will discuss the benefits of receiving support from the community, challenges of the journey, and Hadley’s courage in the face of her sickness.
Brenda Baker, manager of TAMC’s Aroostook Cancer Care, said she hopes Hadley’s story will offer inspiration and a child’s perspective on a terrible disease, along with providing participants with a caregiver’s perspective and the various support systems available to both patients and caregivers.
“A child’s perspective of illness and life in general is so innocent and honest,” said Baker.
The County Cancer Hall of Courage, which officially opened last fall at TAMC, honored McLean as one of its first inductees. Others include Rosa Michaud, Bridget Theriault, Susie Schloeman, Calvin Tuttle, Dana Boardman and Alan Cleaves. During the symposium, Boardman, Michaud and Schloeman will participate in a Survivor Panel, with TAMC’s Jason Parent serving as moderator.
According to Baker, the sorts of topics that are commonly discussed during a survivor panel vary, as each cancer survivor’s story is unique to the individual.
“Survivors tell the story of their journey and the audience asks questions about all aspects of the patient’s experiences,” said Baker.
A common thread in each survivor story is the benefit of support from caregivers and community. A resource panel titled “The Community Perspective” is comprised of representatives from hospice, orthotics/prosthetics services, local American Cancer Society programs, and other organizations that provide support to patients, and will discuss resources to patients and caregivers within the community.
According to the American Cancer Society, half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes and millions of people are currently living with cancer or have had cancer.
“Thanks to improved treatments and supportive care, more and more types of cancer are either curable or chronic, and patients will live through the cancer or with the cancer for years. This day of sharing personal stories and medical information could be described as a ‘support group,’” said Elisa Madore, community executive, health initiatives with the New England Division of the American Cancer Society, Inc. “It gives attendees an opportunity to share similar experiences and stories with others touched by cancer, as well as express their fears and anxieties about how their life has changed after their diagnosis and treatment or concerns about a possible cancer recurrence.”
In addition to patients and survivors, the symposium could benefit caregivers, friends, family or anyone with an interest in learning more about what both patients and caregivers experience or what resources are available. Caregivers are part of the health care team and often help with feeding, dressing and bathing the patient, keeping track of appointments and medications, and maintaining a degree of normalcy in a patient’s life.
Two general sessions will address the theme of courage in the battle against cancer. Vatsala Kirtani, MD, of Aroostook Cancer Care, will offer attendees a glimpse into these courageous journeys from a cancer provider’s perspective. Ralph McPherson and Judy Boudman, both licensed clinical social workers, will conduct a second general session regarding courage and the emotional aspects of surviving cancer.
The symposium’s courage theme complements the central value of the County Cancer Hall of Courage, which will announce and unveil the May honoree at the conclusion of the symposium during a Houlton Farms Dairy Ice Cream Social.
“No matter the outcome or the severity of the person’s disease, courage is needed. Cancer has many physical and psychological effects on the patient and family or caregiver,” said Baker. “It is a scary diagnosis that changes most people’s lives forever. Courage is required to face these changes.”
The County Cancer Hall of Courage honors each inductee with a large print profile in the corridor that displays both their photo and survivor story.
The County Cancer Hall of Courage is a joint project of TAMC, The Star-Herald, Aroostook Republican, Houlton Pioneer Times and Fiddlehead Focus. The hall is located at the A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital in Presque Isle in TAMC’s Aroostook Cancer Care entry corridor.
May at TAMC is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer in the county. A number of other activities are planned throughout the month to draw attention and raise funds to support cancer care and research.
On May 6, TAMC’s Healthy Aging Luncheon will feature Dr. Kirtani speaking on the topic of “Dealing with Your Diagnosis.” The event is set for the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center at 11 a.m. and includes a luncheon. It is open to the public. Cost for the buffet meal is $10 per person, $5 for Healthy Aging members.
On May 16, TAMC and TownSquare Media will again collaborate to host the very popular Rally on the Roof Fundraiser. The 24-hour, first-time event last year raised more than $20,000 to support Aroostook Cancer Care and Relay for Life. This year, roof “captives” will select whether they will raise their bail funds for ACC or children’s health care services at TAMC. Funds raised from the warrants will go to support the Relay for Life event at the end of the month. Warrants are currently available to be issued at www.rallyontheroof.com.
TAMC will also again play a major part in the Aroostook County Relay for Life, set for Caribou High School May 31-June 1. TAMC will sponsor the Survivor Tent and host a reception for cancer survivors at the event.
For more information or to register for the symposium, sign up online at www.tamc.org or call 1-800-227-2345.
