DATE: 10/31/06

CONTACT: Marian Robinson, 864-656-2524; mchpmn@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, 864-656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

Cancer advocacy training to be held Nov. 9 and 14

CLEMSON – Often people with cancer or their caregivers do not know where to turn for resources, funding, comprehensive care, including clinical trials and other cutting edge therapies.

For these patients and their loved ones, these things represent continued hope and increased quality of life, according to Marian Robinson, Clemson University health specialist and program coordinator.

Anyone who is concerned about these issues should plan to attend one of the two free four-hour training sessions at the Anderson County Library.

The first session will be held Nov. 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with dinner included. The second session will be held Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch provided. There will be a local or state legislator at one or both the meetings to speak with the group.

These sessions will focus on how to make positive changes in our healthcare system by demonstrating how to be an effective advocate at the state and federal levels. Participants will be taught advocacy training, which focuses on cancer care and treatment. Each participant will receive a notebook, laminated card to carry in their wallet and certificate upon completion of the training.

Clemson University’s College of Health, Education and Human Development, Tri-County Community Action Teams and The American Cancer Society are sponsoring the trainings.

“It is important that we become a voice at the local, state and federal level, advocating for and empowering communities for early detection, prevention, survivorship and quality care,” said Robinson.

To register for one of the sessions, call Robinson at 864-656-2524 or by email at mchpmn@clemson.edu.

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