FAIRFAX, Va., May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology is looking to recognize a cancer survivor in the Boston area who has dedicated his or her time and energy to help others in the local community. The winner of the Survivor Circle Award will receive $1,000 and be honored at a ceremony on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center during ASTRO's 50th Annual Scientific Meeting, an international medical meeting with more than 11,000 healthcare professionals. The meeting will be in Boston, September 21-25 this year.
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"Patients who confront cancer are uniquely aware of the multiple physical, emotional and social challenges that must be faced daily," said Anthony Zietman, M.D., professor of Radiation Oncology at Harvard Medical School and chair of ASTRO's Local Arrangements Committee. "The Survivor Circle Award recognizes heroic and caring individuals who have been able to use their own experience to reach out and help others facing a similar battle."
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Any cancer survivor residing within the Boston area who received radiation therapy as part of treatment is eligible for the award. The winner can either keep the cash prize of $1,000 or donate it to the support organization or charity of his or her choice. All interested applicants must fill out a short application focusing on what the applicant has done to give back to the community. The application can be found online at www.astro.org/Patients/SurvivorCircle/SurvivorCircleAward/AwardInformation/documents/survivorcircleaward.pdf. Applications must be postmarked by August 1, 2008.
The Survivor Circle began in 2003 as a way for ASTRO to recognize cancer survivors in the city where the Society holds its annual scientific meeting. Each year, ASTRO partners with local patient advocacy groups that help patients and their families cope with a diagnosis of cancer. Volunteers from these organizations then participate in an exhibit during ASTRO's meeting to help educate the doctors, nurses, therapists and scientists attending the meeting on their services for patients and help raise money for their causes.
"Cancer survivors are a vital link in the battle against this disease. Their experience has caused many to become vocal advocates of cancer funding and research as a way to help lessen the blow of the disease on future generations," said Laura I. Thevenot, ASTRO CEO. "Our goal with this award is honor an individual who is helping pave the way to a cure for cancer and helping others cope with this disease."
Applications for the 2008 Survivor Circle Award must be postmarked by Friday, August 1, 2008. To receive an application, please visit www.astro.org/Patients/SurvivorCircle/SurvivorCircleAward/AwardInformation/documents/survivorcircleaward.pdf or contact Beth Bukata at 703-839-7332.
For more information on ASTRO's 50th Annual Meeting, please visit http://www.astro.org/Meetings/AnnualMeetings/.
For more information on radiation therapy, please visit www.rtanswers.org.
ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 9,000 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.
SOURCE American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
