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Ulster Cancer Foundation Highlights Lymphoma Awareness Month
By Derval Keenan, 11/10/2004 3:26:25 PM
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September is Lymphoma awareness Month and to highlight their local patient services the Ulster Cancer Foundation is holding their All Ireland Lymphoma Conference on Saturday 25th September at the Malone Lodge Hotel, Eglantine Avenue, Belfast from 10am – 3.30pm.
The charity are inviting Lymphoma cancer patients, their friends and families, Carers, Health Professionals and anyone concerned about lymphoma to attend the conference, which is free of charge. To register please contact Eileen Creery, Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9049 2007 / eileencreery@ulstercancer.org
Lymphomas are cancers that affect the lymphatic system, which is an important part of the body’s defence against infection – the immune system. This system is made up of lymph organs (e.g. liver, tonsils, spleen) and glands, or lymph nodes, connected by a network of tiny lymphatic drainage vessels.
Ruth Campbell, Head of Care Services, Ulster Cancer Foundation said, “Following a diagnosis of lymphoma and during subsequent treatment, many patients, their families and friends face a difficult period of adjustment. The Ulster Cancer Foundation’s Lymphoma Support Service can help by offering information, support and encouragement to everyone affected by this form of cancer. If you have any concerns about Lymphoma or any other type of cancer please contact the charity on their Freefone Cancer Helpline for advice, support and information from experienced nurses on 0800 783 33 39.”
The All Ireland Lymphoma Conference is sponsored by Roche and supported by the Irish Cancer Society and Hodgkin’s United Group, will include a number of guest speakers who will be presenting on a wide range of relevant and interesting topics. Dr. T.C.M. Morris, Haematology Consultant, Belfast City Hospital, will focus on advances in the understanding and treatment of Lymphoma, Sr. Caitlin McCoy, Ulster Hospital will reflect on the reality of living with Lymphoma and Peter and Maureen McAlinden will examine how Lymphoma affects the family.
The highlight of the conference, for many, will be Michel Angelo Petrone, renowned artist, aurthor and former Lymphoma patient, who will explore ‘The Emotional Cancer Journey’, a series of paintings depicting his journey through cancer.
Michel Angelo Petrone, founder of the Map Foundation, encourages patients to use the creative arts to express and communicate complex and painful issues relating to serious illness. He suggests that by providing creative space for people to contemplate their feelings of fear, pain, sadness, anger, hope and love, it creates a visual and verbal dialogue around the issue of illness.
Ruth Campbell, Head of Care Services, UCF said, “When people are first diagnosed with cancer they often feel overwhelmed by a range of feelings. Although everyone reacts differently, it is normal to experience shock, disbelief, fear and uncertainty. Sometimes people may find themselves overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotions and art therapy offers an opportunity to explore these intense or painful thoughts in a supportive environment. Art therapy requires no artistic ability, as it is about seeing feelings and making them visible for the individual. “
UCF offers art therapy sessions throughout the year. There are a number of places available for October’s classes at a cost of £5 per person. For further information please contact Ruth Campbell at UCF on 028 9049 2007.
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For further information please contact Ruth Campbell, Head of Care Services, UCF on 028 9049 2007 / ruthcampbell@ulstercancer.org or Nicola Smyth, PR & Events Manager Tel: 028 9049 2007 / nicolasmyth@ulstercancer.org
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