Yale Bulletin and Calendar

November 5, 2004|Volume 33, Number 10

Former Olympic swimmer Dara Torres (right) joined Dr. Edward Chu of the Yale Cancer Center at the tree-dedication ceremony honoring a new program for cancer patients.

New tree a symbol of support
needed to fight cancer

Nine-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres was among the individuals who gathered at Yale-New Haven Hospital on Oct. 28 for a tree-dedication ceremony calling attention to a major health concern: colorectal cancer.

The former Olympic swimmer joined representatives from the Yale Cancer Center and the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) for the ceremony, which honored the "Roots of Support in Colorectal Cancer" program, a CCA initiative to help people fight the disease through teamwork and education.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. An estimated 6,600 people in Connecticut have colorectal cancer, and nearly 2,000 new cases were diagnosed last year.

Dr. Edward Chu, chief of medical oncology at the Cancer Center, said, "Advancements in colorectal cancer research and treatment are beginning to provide greater hope for people facing the disease. We see every day that the involvement of family and friends in their physical and emotional care is an invaluable part of the treatment process."

Torres, whose father was diagnosed with the disease in 2001, is an advocate for building a personal support network to navigate the sometimes daunting journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

"The tree we planted today represents strength, resilience and hope, which are three essential components for fighting cancer and supporting a loved one in the battle against the disease," said Torres.

Launched in May, the "Roots of Support" program provides a patient guide titled "Cultivating a Network of Support" and a brochure for family and friends of patients titled "Offering Hope and Support." To order and/or download the brochures free of charge, or for more information, visit the website at www.ccalliance.org/roots or call (877) 422-2030.

"Roots of Support in Colorectal Cancer" is made possible through support from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and ImClone Systems Incorporated.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Yale scientists honored for their research

'Future of Animal Law' to be explored

In Focus: Epidemiology & Public Health

Yale senior starts to drive, using vegetable oil as his fuel

Grant to fund study of long-term effect of drug use on teenagers

Electronic records may improve care of children with asthma

Kaplan honored with election to the Institute of Medicine

Lecture to look at 'Iraq and Shadow of Vietnam'

Janet Reno to be keynote speaker at Law School symposium

Study: More exercise programs for breast cancer survivors needed

Partnership bringing together U.S. and Russian organizations . . .

Study: Risk of developing disabilities rises 60-fold . . .

Concert Band will stage 1943 Glenn Miller radio broadcast

Calhoun College to host talks by poet and Yale World Fellow

New tree a symbol of support needed to fight cancer

Campus Notes