Augusta conference targets cancer care for patients, families

AUGUSTA – A daylong conference for people with cancer, their families, friends and medical professionals will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the Augusta Civic Center.

Morning keynote speaker and former Maine governor Angus King will share his experience as a cancer patient and discuss political efforts to advocate for cancer care. The afternoon general session will feature Dr. Matthew Budd, director of the F. Holland Day Center for Healing and Creativity, speaking on spiritual healing and growth.

Participants may select workshops on keeping journals, understanding diagnostic tests, pain control, natural remedies and more. Information on different types of cancer also will be available.

For cancer survivors and their families, the conference is free, but lunch costs $10. Others pay $30 for the day, including lunch.

A workshop for educators and other professionals on meeting the needs of children with cancer will run from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. the same day at the Civic Center. The cost is $35 and includes lunch.

For information or to register for either event, call the Maine chapter of the American Cancer Society toll-free at (800) 464-3102.