Join the Network Night on Jan. 30

GOSHEN, Ind. - Cancer survivors share a bond like no other, offering support and friendship to those who have walked in their shoes, overcome the same fears and who know what it means to live "life after cancer."

The recently formed Goshen Cancer Survivor Network - developed by cancer survivors for cancer survivors - gives cancer patients, survivors and their families the opportunity to strengthen that bond by sharing their experiences, counseling one another, and most importantly, learning to live through and beyond cancer, together.

To date, the network has 165 members, but Goshen Center for Cancer Care is determined to reach even more. The new Link of Hope Newsletter - named by cancer survivors - went out earlier in January to over 4,000 area cancer survivors.

On Friday, Jan. 30, the Goshen Cancer Survivor Network invites all area cancer survivors to gather for an evening of dinner and fellowship at the Goshen Hospital Arbor Conference Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Join the Network Night.

"This night is about visiting with old friends and making new ones," said Sandra Carbone, Survivor Network Coordinator for Goshen Center for Cancer Care. "It is all about sharing the network with more people, more cancer survivors. If you are a cancer patient, a cancer survivor, you are welcome to come and learn more about the resources and support available."

Join the Network Night is the first of many planned events for 2009. Table displays set up that evening will be attended by cancer survivor committee members who will answer questions about future activities and take suggestions for future events and educational seminars.

"This is an opportunity to sign up and join the network," Carbone said. "Come and see what the Network offers, see what members have been doing. These are things being done for survivors by survivors."

The free buffet dinner at Join the Network Night will consist of Lasagna, seasoned green beans and tossed salad. Seating is limited so reservations are required by replying no later than Jan. 23 to Sandra Carbone, 574-535-2922 or scarbone@goshenhealth.com.

Among the 2009 events survivors will learn about during Join the Network Night is the upcoming spring event, "Healing through the Arts," to be held inn March at the Midwest Museum of Art in downtown Elkhart. For more information about upcoming Goshen Survivor Network events, contact Sandra Carbone at 574-535-2922.