Conference Agenda

11:00-11:45 AM — SESSION THREE

3.1. How the Immune System Helps Fight Cancer
Christian Thomas, MD (Nursing Contact Hours)

This presentation will outline the relationship of the immune system to cancer and its development.

3.2. Current Options for Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Susan MacLennan, MD (Nursing Contact Hours)

In this talk, we will review the past 30 years of progress in breast cancer research, as well as describe clinical trials design and goals.

3.3. Genetic Counseling & Testing
Wendy McKinnon, MS (Nursing Contact Hours)

Ms. McKinnon will review the features of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and who might be a candidate for referral for genetic counseling and possibly genetic testing. She will also review what happens during a genetic counseling session and discuss the risks, benefits and limitations of undergoing genetic testing for cancer risk.

3.4. Happiness, Christ, and Cancer: How One's View of Tomorrow Affects Today
Rev. Wes Pastor, MDiv

For Christians, the key to dealing happily with cancer or any other kind of life trauma or disappointment is one's certainty regarding the future.

3.5. Trusting Cancer as a Soulmate
Cat Bordhi

If you have ever suspected or experienced the sweetness that lies inside the embrace of cancer, you may be interested to hear Ms. Bordhi speak reverently about her beloved friend, breast cancer, which has visited her twice. She will share her experience of cancer's pure and loving nature, and why she does not identify with the term "survivor."

3.6. Share Your Story
Facilitators: Margie Cole, MSW and Sally Mattson, MA

Share Your Story sessions are informal, each with a facilitator. What has cancer taught you? Do you have some encouragement for fellow travelers on this cancer journey? Come and share, for 2-3 minutes, your words of wisdom, spiritual gifts, advice for patients, and lessons for health care providers; or simply come and listen. You may also post your entire story on the conference Web site. See the Share Your Story section for instructions.

3.7. Vermont Lymphedema Network

Session for Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists.

3.8. Komen Champions
Rebecca Gray

Rebecca Gray, former President of the VT-NH Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its current Public Policy Chair, will lead a discussion on state legislative issues related to breast cancer, including the need for increased funding for Ladies First, Vermont's free breast cancer screening program for low-income and uninsured women. A Komen headquarters representative will be discussing advocacy on important national issues including translational research funding, the oncology nursing shortage and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

3.9. Your Mind Matters
Janet Colantuono

It's not all in your head. Well, actually it is, but it isn't a figment of your imagination. The changes in memory, concentration, thinking, and organization skills you've experienced after cancer treatment are real. Join us for an exploration of a recent patient survey, a review of current research, and learn tips you can use to help cope with these cognitive changes.

3.10. Take Time to Laugh: It's the Music of the Soul with Medical Benefits
Sister Pat McKittrick, RN

In this interactive session, we will look at the importance of choosing happiness and experiencing joy in our daily lives. We will also discover the benefits of humor in the healing process.

3.11. COFFEE CHAT - Cancer Epidemiology 101
Elizabeth Peterson, MPH

The Vermont Department of Health will present the most current available data on women's cancer rates in Vermont. We also will discuss cancer screening rates and available data on risk factors associated with the development of cancer. Where applicable, Vermont data will be compared to that in the U.S.

3.12. COFFEE CHAT - How I Integrated Conventional Treatment with Complementary Care
Ann Taylor, PT, WFR

Let us discuss the wholistic and wellness model of care and how the traditional practices and therapies, such as acupuncture, meditation, massage, and yoga, can integrate with modern cancer treatment methods.

3.13. COFFEE CHAT - National Breast Cancer Coalition Initiatives and How to Become an Advocate
Gail Breslauer

The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) is the nation's largest breast cancer advocacy group with hundreds of member organizations and tens of thousands of individual members. NBCC's sister organization, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, empowers and trains its members to be effective in every aspect of the fight to end breast cancer. It gives women the tools to make their own informed decisions and to work beside legislative, scientific and clinical decision-makers. Once trained, these advocates represent NBCC as they influence public policies that impact breast cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.

3.14. Yoga Session

These yoga classes are designed for women with cancer and can be adapted to the physical needs of each participant. Healing Yoga is part of a Mind/Body approach to healing and can ease both physical and emotional pain. It can foster a sense of calm and control during a cancer journey that can at times be stressful and seem out of control. Participants can sit in a chair or lie on a mat in whatever position is most comfortable to get the soothing and relaxing help that comes with meditation and deep breathing. Yoga sessions capped at 15 participants. Sessions taught by various instructors.

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Christian Thomas, MD

Christian Thomas is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the UVM College of Medicine. He is in clinical practice in Colchester at the Vermont Center for Cancer Medicine and Blood Disorders.

Susan MacLennan, MD

Susan MacLennan is a Plastic Surgeon at Fletcher Allen, with a special interest in breast surgery. She is an Assistant Professor at the UVM College of Medicine.

Wendy McKinnon, MS

Wendy McKinnon is a certified genetic counselor specializing in genetic counseling and testing for familial cancer for the Familial Cancer Program of the Vermont Cancer Center at Fletcher Allen.

Wes Pastor, MBA, MDiv

Wes Pastor is founder and senior minister of Christ Memorial Church in Williston, as well as the president and visionary of New England Theological Seminary.

Cat Bordhi

Cat Bordhi is a former middle school teacher, a novelist, fiber artist, and publisher, and is known in the knitting community as a teacher, writer, and designer who encourages innovative, independent exploration and creative confidence.

Margie Cole, MSW

Margie Cole is a member of the board of the VT-NH affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and is chair of the Education Committee. She is a social worker employed at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in the Breast Care Center.

Sally Mattson, MA

Sally Mattson is a licensed Vermont psychologist practicing in Brattleboro. She is a breast cancer survivor and is currently writing a book of narratives based on her interviews with breast cancer survivors.

Rebecca Gray

Rebecca Gray is a writer for Dartmouth College. As a nine-year breast cancer survivor, she has also served as a consumer reviewer for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program as well as served two terms on the Board of Directors of the VT-NH Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Janet Colantuono

Janet Colantuono is co-founder and executive director of Hurricane Voices Breast Cancer Foundation. One of Hurricane Voices' major programs, the Family Reading List, is an annotated bibliography of high-quality books addressing the implications of breast cancer on the family.

Sister Pat McKittrick, RN

Pat McKittrick is a registered nurse at Fletcher Allen. She coordinates the Health Ministries Program and recognizes the importance of healing body, mind and spirit.

Elizabeth Peterson

Elizabeth Peterson is currently an epidemiologist with the Vermont Department of Health, where she is responsible for surveillance and evaluation of chronic disease prevention efforts throughout the state. Ms. Peterson is also a member of the steering committee for Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor is a physical and massage therapist in Burlington. She provides therapy to Hematology/Oncology patients at Fletcher Allen, with a grant from the Victoria Buffum Endowed Fund. A 13-year breast cancer survivor, Ann is founding member and corporate officer of the Vermont Cancer Survivor Network.

Gail Breslauer

Gail Breslauer is a breast cancer activist and founder of the Vermont Space Education Program. As a voluntary grassroots advocate with the National Breast Cancer Coalition, she is dedicated to political advocacy and legislative initiatives to find the causes of and eradicate breast cancer. Gail has served on the Board of Directors of NBCC representing the former Breast Cancer Network.

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