A major conference on cancer organized by Relay for Life Donegal will highlight patient experience and radiotherapy services in the North West.
Among the key-note speakers at the conference, to be held in the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny on Saturday, February 3rd, will be Majella O’Donnell who is herself a cancer survivor.
Other topics to be highlighted include facts surrounding the disease and the major research project currently underway at Letterkenny University Hospital to which the local Relay initiative funded 100,000 euro.
A number of workshops have also been organized and there will be entertainment on the day including the Relay for Life Survivors Choir.
This is the third such conference to be hosted by the Donegal committee and because of demand, advance booking is essential with places on the workshops strictly limited.
“A cancer diagnosis is very stressful for patients and their loved ones. The aim of this conference is to support cancer survivors and their caregivers by improving and increasing your ability to stand up to cancer,” Relay chairperson, Robert O’Connor indicated.
Patrons at the conference are encouraged, he added, to ask questions, share experiences, stories and fears.
Registration will be at 9.a.m. with M.C. for the event, Charlie Collins, to introduce proceedings at 10.a.m.
Following a welcome address by the chairperson, the conference will be officially opened by Majella O’Donnell whose husband, Daniel, is patron of Relay for Life Donegal.
Among other speakers during the day will be Noreen Rodgers who will focus on Radiotherapy services in the North-West; Dr Janice Richmond and Mary Grace Kelly on the Research Project at Letterkenny University Hospital; researcher Isabella Bray who will focus on clinical trials; and a session on “myth busting” by Irish Cancer Society Head of Research, Dr Robert O’Connor.
Sarah Marie, meanwhile, will deliver an address entitled ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ on the afternoon of the conference.
There is free admission to the conference which runs from 10.a.m. to 3.p.m. and includes lunch and tea/coffee breaks.
You can register by e-mail at relayforlifedonegal@gmail.com or alternatively telephone any of the following: Ena Barrett 087-9966096; Sharon O’Connell 086-878 9733; Seamus Devine 087-2482775; Sean Sheerin 087-627 7143; or Robert O’Connor 087-2716344.