Pisters vows to 'listen and learn' as president of the cancer center
Winter 2018 : Cancer survivors, caregivers enjoy networking and support at annual MD Anderson conference
Cancer survivors, caregivers enjoy networking and support at annual MD Anderson conference
Keynote speakers, breakout sessions offer hope and inspiration at MD Anderson survivorship conference
myCancerConnection sponsors the Survivorship Conference every year to provide opportunities to network and learn from experts on a variety of topics. Photo by F. Carter Smith.
Nearly 300 people gathered in September for MD Anderson's 29th annual myCancerConnection Cancer Survivorship Conference. With a variety of breakout sessions and presentations from MD Anderson experts and survivors alike, there were messages of hope and determination for everyone.
A highlight among attendees was an inspirational keynote address by Craig Melvin, co-anchor of NBC-TV's "Weekend Today," and his brother, Rev. Lawrence Meadows, a stage IV colorectal cancer survivor. While both spoke highly of MD Anderson and the treatment Meadows received, Melvin shared his shock at learning of his brother's diagnosis, considering Meadows' healthy lifestyle. Melvin developed a story about his brothers' cancer journey for the "Today" show and was gratified at the interest and positive feedback it generated as one of the top stories of 2017.
"There are many reasons to be optimistic, thanks to the cutting-edge cancer research at MD Anderson," says Melvin.
Benjamin Chang, 34, of Houston, attended the conference with his mother, Yvonne. Treated at MD Anderson in 2006 for a rare brain tumor, Chang was eager to hear the latest on cancer research and meet others with similar experiences. He is grateful to the MD Anderson volunteers who made him feel comfortable while he was a patient and now volunteers his time offering refreshments in the waiting rooms at Mays Clinic.
Gloria Ayala, 54, also of Houston, became an MD Anderson volunteer in 2005 and received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2008.
"I am grateful to MD Anderson," Ayala says. "The doctors and staff took care of me and made sure I had an amazing recovery. They inspired me to be a better volunteer."
Like most in attendance, Chang and Ayala spent time between sessions offering others advice and support. Many participants expressed appreciation to MD Anderson for offering the annual survivorship conference as a chance to connect and discover what's on the horizon in cancer research, patient care, prevention and education.
2017 Survivorship Conference. Photos by F. Carter Smith.
Brothers Lawrence Meadows, left, and Craig Melvin inspire the audience with a powerful keynote address.
Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., of Integrative Medicine Research, leads a plenary session.
The two-day conference is an annual tradition for survivors around the country.
MD Anderson's Tadd Pullin and Susan French congratulate Jason Cox as he accepts the Painter Award, which recognizes exceptional volunteers.
More Stories From Promise
Exhibits emphasize generosity, commitment of MD Anderson donors
MD Anderson Board of Visitors, Bush family and others celebrated in new installations
MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors honors longtime member
Harry Longwell named Life Member of cancer center's advisory board
MD Anderson salutes president ad interim
Hicks led cancer center for eight months, resumes position as division head of Diagnostic Imaging
MD Anderson events benefit vital cancer research, cancer treatment programs
Legendary figures lend names to cancer center's signature fundraising events, helping raise nearly $2.5 million
Cancer survivor celebrates every milestone, cycles her way to $9,000
Breast cancer survivor marks five-year anniversary by giving back
Craig's Court at MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital
PediDome space inspires young cancer survivors to 'never give up'
Survivors Say: Jesse Purdy, esophageal cancer survivor
Esophageal cancer survivor Jesse Purdy, of Georgetown, Texas, was a psychology professor for nearly 40 years at Southwestern University. Last October, Purdy received the Cattlemen for Cancer Research Survivor Award, which honors courageous cancer fighters across Central Texas.
MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program turns 5
Novel approach to cancer science yields progress
Conversation starters
Since 1990, A Conversation With a Living Legend® events across the country have raised almost $37 million for MD Anderson. The tradition continued in 2017 with three successful events raising nearly $2.5 million for vital cancer research and patient care programs.
My Moon Shot: Kevin Hanlon, cancer survivor
Lung cancer survivor shares his story
Among Friends: Daniel Darling, MD Anderson Advance Team member
When Advance Team member Daniel Darling arrived in the United States from Sydney, Australia, he had never heard of MD Anderson.
Thousands support MD Anderson's Boot Walk to End Cancer®
Community raises funds, awareness to ‘Give Cancer the Boot’
Hildebrand Foundation ASPIREs for more, funds cancer prevention efforts
$1.5 million donation boosts tobacco-free youth program created at MD Anderson
$1 million research award offers hope for metastatic prostate cancer patients
MD Anderson team to study biology of disease
Young MD Anderson donor makes big plans
MD Anderson Cancer Center president accepts young donor's gift to end cancer
MD Anderson caregiver creates foundation in memory of mother
Ashley Skrljac lives in Houston with her husband, Ed, and their two sons, Jack, 6, and Henry, 3. She started a foundation to help raise money for leptomeningeal disease in memory of her mother, Jennifer Clanton.
Upcoming events
Mark your calendar and join the fight