STOWE, Vt., April 2, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- This Spring, May 4-6, 2001, the world-famous mountain resort town of Stowe, Vt., in partnership with the Vermont Cancer Network (and with support from Fletcher Allen Health Care and the Division of Hematology and Oncology) will host the 1st Annual Stowe Weekend of Hope Cancer Event.
According to event organizer (and breast cancer survivor) Patti O'Brien, M.D., "The Stowe Weekend of Hope is all about bringing together people dealing with cancer to celebrate life and survivorship, to learn about cancer, and to rejoice in the enduring power of the human spirit." To give this event the broadest possible impact and appeal, the legendary innkeepers of Stowe will be giving away hundreds of free hotel rooms to people with cancer and their families. "We are incredibly excited about this opportunity to support such a worthy event with the beauty and generosity of Stowe," noted Valerie Rochon, Executive Director of the Stowe Area Association, the event's primary sponsor and presenter. "It's a fact that one in three people alive in the United States today will be affected by cancer in some way. The Stowe Weekend of Hope will help combat this dread disease by both educating and inspiring those most directly affected."
PATTY DUKE TO KEYNOTE EVENT
Keynote speaker for the event will be the noted entrepreneur, mountain climber, and cancer survivor Patty Duke, 43, founder of Smart Wool Socks, Inc. Duke lives in Steamboat Springs, Colo. After recovering from cancer surgery and treatment, Duke joined other cancer survivors on Expedition Inspiration, a 1992 climb of Argentina's Mt. Aconcagua, the highest peak in North or South America. The ascent was meant to inspire others with cancer to climb the mountains of their dreams and fight to find a cure for cancer. The successful expedition received worldwide media attention and generated a book, No Mountain Too High, by author Andrea Gabbard. Today, Patty Duke manages her successful business and delivers inspirational presentations on cancer and survivorship. About cancer and the Stowe Weekend of Hope she said, "There are tragedies so terribly devastating you feel you can't move on. The message we have to offer is that you can move on and get past the tragedy and do something meaningful for yourself and others." Patty will offer the story of her incredible personal journey, and present slides from Expedition Inspiration on Friday evening at the Stowe Middle/High School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Also attending this event will be Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who will deliver introductory remarks.
EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS
The Stowe Weekend of Hope will feature many presentations by some of the nation's leading oncologists and medical researchers. Held at a variety of locations throughout this famous resort town, the presentations will follow an informal "fireside chat" format, allowing for maximum interchange between experts and attendees. These informal educational sessions will give cancer patients and their families the opportunity to sit and talk with leading experts. Some noted presenters include:
J. DAVID BEATTY, M.D., FRSCS, FACS Former Director, National Cancer Institute of Canada MARIE WOOD, M.D. Leading expert on genetic testing for cancer BRUCE COMPAS, Ph.D. Recipient of $2 million NIH grant to study emotional impacts of cancer
Topics covered by these and other experts will include:
* Cancer: the Basic Biology of Tumors * Prevention * Genetic Risks * Latest Research * Treatments * Nutrition * Help with Insurance * Chemotherapy * Radiation * Advocacy * Spiritual Support
INSPIRATIONAL AND HEALING OFFERINGS
In addition to the weekend's diverse educational offerings (all of which are free and open to the public, although seating may be limited), there will be a variety of inspirational and healing events. The opportunity to create a Flag of Hope and Healing will be available to participants throughout the weekend. On Saturday evening, an ecumenical candlelight service will be held in the famous Stowe Community Church. Weather permitting, there will be a candlelight walk on Stowe's Rec Path following the ceremony. On Sunday morning, an inspirational service will be held at Stowe's world-famous Trapp Family Lodge. Following the service, a group of cancer survivors and support climbers will hike to the Trapp Family Lodge Picnic Knoll. They will carry with them assorted Flags of Hope and Healing which have been made by Stowe school students and which have been collected throughout the weekend.
LODGING REQUESTS FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER AND THEIR FAMILIES
The Stowe Area Association will receive and coordinate all requests for complimentary lodging. Free accommodations at a variety of Stowe lodges on Friday and Saturday nights will be provided to people who have, or have had, cancer and their families. Cancer patients and survivors wishing to attend the Weekend of Hope are encouraged to contact the Stowe Area Association toll-free at 800-24-STOWE after March 16th to request accommodations.
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CONTACT: The Stowe Area Association
Jim Tabor
(802) 496-4990
jimt@gostowe.com