April 03, 2015

Women Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer gather for ninth annual conference

Living Beyond Breast Cancer presents two days of hope, health

By Aubrey Nagle
PhillyVoice Contributor

METS Conference/Living Beyond Breast Cancer

This year's Conference for Women Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer begins April 11.

Those who have been through or seen a loved one go through a serious illness know how important support networks are. Living Beyond Breast Cancer, an organization which works to create those networks, is presenting a conference for women affected by metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers.

The Ninth Annual Conference for Women Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer will convene April 11-12 with medical experts and keynote speakers providing information and outreach. Women will share their stories, participate in breakout sessions and network with peers.

Featured speakers include Minetta C. Liu, MD, Chair of Oncology Research at Mayo Clinic; Chaplain Michael Eselun, BCC; and Cancer Services Wellness Director Julie Lanford, MPH, RD, CSO, LDN. The rest of the speaker lineup includes professors, oncologists, counselors, social workers and more.

Breakout sessions focus on everything from pain management and treatment options to the latest research and clinical trials. Panels and discussions for caregivers, young women and awareness advocates will be available as well as sessions on art therapy, acupuncture and meditation.

Friday evening a welcome reception will be held and Sunday morning an Early Risers' yoga class will be held. Exhibitors like pharmaceutical companies and online support networks will have spaces to chat.

The keynote presentations will be live streamed online for those who cannot attend the conference. For the first time this year, caregivers will get a special rate so they can attend with their loved ones. Online registration is no longer available, but walk-ins are welcome.