Cooley Dickinson Announces Cancer Care Benefit

HADLEY — “A Celebration of Strength, Hope, and Compassion,” a benefit for Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Cancer Care Program, will be held on Thursday, April 30 at the Courtyard by Marriott.

The benefit, which will include informational sessions, educational exhibits, and dinner, will celebrate the scope of cancer services that CDH provides, as well as the organization’s new collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center.

Informational sessions presented by Cooley Dickinson Hospital staff will be offered from 4 to 5 p.m. These sessions are free, but registration is required. They are:

• “Understanding and Coping with Cancer-related Fatigue,” presented by Madelyn Breen, patient navigator and radiation oncology nurse; and Katherine Jaycox, oncology social worker. Cancer-related fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer and its treatment, and this discussion will center on why it occurs and how to cope with it.

• “The Myths and Realities of Cancer-related Clinical Trials,” presented by Dr. George R. Bowers, Cancer Care Program medical director; and Dr. Jennifer Higgins, clinical trials coordinator. This interactive discussion will provide a better understanding of clinical trials, and will help define the risks and benefits of participation.

• “What Now? Tools for the Journey,” presented by Becky Jones, chaplain; and Paula Murphy, oncology social worker. Cancer survivorship comes with many challenges. This session will focus on what gives survivors strength to cope with uncertainty and questions about the future.

A reception and educational exhibits begin at 5 p.m., and the celebration dinner follows at 6:15 p.m. A keynote address, presented by Bowers and Dr. Eyal C. Attar from Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, will discuss the benefits of the new collaboration between the two hospitals and how this collaboration benefits the community.

The cost of the reception and dinner is $50 per person. Sponsorship opportunities from $100 to $1000 are available and include tickets for the dinner. For more information or to register for the informational sessions and/or the celebration dinner, call (413) 582-2255 or E-mail development@cooley-dickinson.org.