Olympic skater, cancer survivor Scott Hamilton to speak at Aurora Health Care event at Milwaukee’s Miller Park

Cancer survivors and their loved ones are invited to attend “Celebrating Life,” a free day of family activities that includes a speech by Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton. Hamilton, diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1997, will deliver an inspirational message about “Making Every Moment Count.”

“Celebrating Life” will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28, and is for anyone who is a cancer survivor, as well as family members, friends or people who may know someone who has been affected by cancer.

Cancer survivor Leslie Biernat says, “Being able to not just survive but to thrive after cancer is such an amazing thing, it truly is worth celebrating.”

Biernat lives with cancer every day, not just as a survivor but also as a breast cancer coordinator at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. “I’m privileged to work with some of the finest cancer experts in the nation,” she said.

Mary Obrien, Aurora Health Care vice president and chief administrative officer of Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center said: “There are so many people whose lives have been touched by cancer that we wanted to create a community event that unites survivors and gives them a way to share their joy, spirit and optimism.”

Bruce Van Cleave, M.D., Aurora senior vice president and chief medical officer, will emcee the program. “As a leader in cancer care, we see many stories of hope and inspiration. We invite anyone who has been touched by cancer – as a patient or family member, friend or neighbor to join us for a day of renewed strength, information and resolve,” he said.

All survivors at the “Celebrating Life” event are invited to have their photo taken to be included in a “Faces of Survivorship” banner to be displayed at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. In addition, they will have the opportunity to videotape their story and have it played on the Jumbotron at Miller Park.

Other activities include:

• The latest information on treatment approaches to cancer and support services.
• Demonstrations on healthful eating, looking, healing arts and massage.
• The Associated Banks Kids Zone and programs designed to address the needs of children.
• Complimentary food, beverages and entertainment.

Breakout sessions on topics relevant to cancer survivors include:

• Emotional well-being during one’s cancer journey.
• Symptom management
• Rehabilitation during and after treatment.
• Sexuality throughout one’s cancer journey.

Activities and breakout sessions will take place throughout the day on the Miller Park field level concourse. For more information or to register for the free program, visit www.Aurora.org/CelebratingLife or call 1 (800) 307-2211. Those who register online will be invited to submit their name or the name of a loved one to be displayed on the video board at Miller Park.

Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit Wisconsin health care provider and a national leader in efforts to improve the quality of health care. Aurora offers care at sites in more than 90 communities throughout eastern Wisconsin.

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