HOULTON, Maine – The American Cancer Society’s Fifth Annual Northern Maine Living With Cancer Conference, scheduled for September 8 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Houlton Regional Hospital, is a free, daylong program for cancer patients, family members, caregivers and medical professionals. “This event is about providing support, community and hope for those who have been touched by cancer,” said Doug Dieckmann of the American Cancer Society. “We are grateful for our partnership with Houlton Regional Hospital and the generous support from other local businesses that make it possible for the American Cancer Society to offer this valuable educational opportunity to the Northern Maine community.”
Ed Chase, a retired forester and resident of Garfield Plantation, has attended two Northern Maine Living With Cancer conferences, and plans to be there this year as well. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in the early 1990s, his treatment options were few.
“Many treatments for men with prostate cancer that are available now were not available then,” he explained, “so I had the surgery.”
Chase’s treatment also includes taking injections of the standard drug leuprolide every four months.
“I have been free of cancer since my surgery,” he stated, “and I will be 78 years old in October.”
Chase is a longtime volunteer with Man to Man, an American Cancer Society program that offers free, one-on-one guidance to help men cope with prostate cancer by providing understanding, hope and support to patients as well as their family members. He has met with many different cancer survivors through the program and enjoyed his time spent as a volunteer.
“It is a good experience for the newly diagnosed and a good experience for me too,” Chase has enjoyed participating in question and answer sessions at the Living With Cancer Conference in the past.
“A lot of information is available there,” Chase said. “And as my wife says, I am always ready to make a comment and talk with other survivors.”
This year’s conference theme is Hope, Tears, Laughter: Sources of Healing. Guest speakers include Gary Crocker, a Maine humorist from West Gardiner; Julianne Bousquet, an educator and hospital chaplain in Waterville; and Helen Sherwood, a nurse and Aroostook County native currently living in Houlton. In addition, there will be numerous vendor exhibits, a panel discussion with cancer survivors, and Reiki, yoga and seated massage sessions offered during the lunch break to interested participants. To register or to learn more about the Living With Cancer Conference, please call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Call 800-227-2345 any time day or night, any day of the year for cancer information, connections to services for cancer patients or simply to talk with a caring person when you or a family member needs strength and encouragement.