Cancer Survivors' Forum Offers Resources, Guidance
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — More than 80 local residents attended the Cancer Survivors’ Forum on Jan 28. This event was sponsored by the NOAH Center (New Opportunities for Achieving Health), a division of Berkshire South Regional Community Center. The event was moderated by Dr. Mark Pettus, Chief of Medicine at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, N.Y. and bestselling author of "The Savvy Patient" and "It’s All in Your Head."The panel included several local cancer survivors including: Dr. Elizabeth Boham, of the Ultra Wellness Center; Laura Fetherolf of Women’s Integrative Network; Dan Hegerich from Do the Cure; Kathy Regan, publisher of Our Berkshire Green; Gary Jobe Ferguson of Berkshire Center for Mind-Body Medicine; and Bridget Hughes of The Pastures. Attendees had an opportunity to speak one-on-one with the panelists both before and after hearing their stories. Healthy hors d’oeuvres were served, healing music was performed by acclaimed violinist Vicki Richards, and a stunning collection of photos were on display by author and photographer Julie McCarthy.
"It was a profoundly moving and hopeful event. I know everyone present was filled with great information and healing energy. I am very grateful to have been a part of it," Pettus said.
Event producer Steve "Sproutman" Meyerowitz echoed Pettus’ comments: "This was a breathtaking opportunity to experience the potential of the human spirit to overcome the impossible. Our six panelists thoroughly entranced the audience with their powerful stories. [Their] adventures from incurable to incredible shine as a beacon of strength and hope for all of us to stand strong and face our challenges. They are our heroes!"
Due to the success of the program, BSRCC plans to offer additional health forums in the future. "Our plan is to offer similar forums with expert panels addressing other important health issues, such as attention deficit disorder, Lyme Disease, diabetes and obesity," said John Parker, BSRCC’s associate director of adult and community programs.
A DVD of the event is available for purchase for $10. All proceeds support NOAH Center wellness programs at BSRCC. For more information, call 413-528-2810, ext. 31.
