University of Chicago Medicine celebrates 22nd Cancer Survivors Day

May 31, 2012

The University of Chicago Medicine will hold its 22nd annual Cancer Survivors Day celebration, from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2012, in the Wellington Ballroom of the Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago hotel, 909 N. Michigan Ave.

This event, free for those who have had cancer and for their family and friends, is a celebration of survival and an afternoon of sharing, encouragement, music and hope. An estimated 500 people are expected to attend.

Among attendees will be Helen Rood, a 72-year-old breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 1974 at age 34. Since then, the Arlington Heights resident has had surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormonal treatments. She has been cancer free for the last 18 years.

"I look forward to it every year," said Rood, who has been attending the event year after year. "I enjoy the speakers. Seeing other cancer survivors gives people hope."

Mary Ann Childers, a longtime Chicago broadcaster who is now a specialist in strategic and crisis communications, will emcee the afternoon event. Activities will include a special children's program featuring face painting, balloons and a magic show.

Admission is free. Participants are encouraged to RSVP by calling 773-702-9200.

Among the speakers and performers

• David H. Song, MD, MBA, the Cynthia Chow Professor, Chief of Plastic Surgery and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago Medicine. He is a specialist in "oncoplastic" surgery -- a multispecialty approach to tumor removal and tissue reconstruction. Song will talk about progress in cancer surgery and breast reconstruction.
• Chicago Blues singer Lynne Jordan and the Shivers. The band has traveled around the world and are regular performers at the annual event.
• Barbara Bates, a breast cancer survivor and fashion designer. Bates has designed clothes for high-profile figures such as Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey and Whitney Houston. She opened her own fashion design firm in 1988. In 1999, she started the Barbara Bates Foundation, which donates prom dresses and formal wear to inner-city high school students who excel in school despite difficult circumstances.

Events

Noon -12:50 p.m. -- Exhibit booths and refreshments
12:50 p.m. -- Welcome remarks from the Master of Ceremonies
1 p.m. -- Remarks from a cancer survivor
1:10 p.m. -- Remarks from David Song, MD
1:20 p.m. -- Performance by Lynne Jordan and the Shivers
1:45 p.m. -- Keynote Speaker Barbara Bates