Olympic Gold Medalist Peggy Fleming to be keynote speaker at True Celebration

April 8, 2009

GOSHEN Ind. – In 1961, the entire United States Figure Skating team was killed in a plane crash on its way to the Prague World Championships. Peggy Fleming was 11 years old and her coach was one of those killed.

With her role models gone, it was up to Fleming to create an image of style and grace that carried her to five U.S. Titles, three World Titles, and in 1968, an Olympic Gold Medal.

ABC televised the 1968 Winter Games live and in color for the first time ever, and the enduring image from that coverage will always be of Fleming’s free-skating program. It was a program that won her the Gold Medal by 88.2 points over her closest competitor, and the only Gold Medal the United States brought home from Grenoble, France.

Thirty years later in January of 1998 – on the anniversary of her gold medal in Grenoble – Fleming faced another challenge with grace and courage. She was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Faced with what she called “another Olympics, a life Olympics,” Fleming decided to share her experience with the public so that others battling cancer would be strengthened.

On May 17, Fleming , will share her story with fellow cancer survivors as the keynote speaker of Goshen Center for Cancer Care’s fifth annual cancer survivorship program, True Celebration.

This annual event recognizes those who are courageously facing their fight against cancer. It is about honoring survivors, their life, their courage and their accomplishments.

“Each year we search for a speaker whose own story mirrors the strength and perseverance we see in our patients each day,” said. Dr. Doug Schwartzentruber, Medical Director of Goshen Center for Cancer Care. “Their strength inspires the physicians and staff at the cancer center each day - continually pushing us to provide the best cancer care possible.

“Peggy Fleming’s story is one that will resonate with survivors. We are thrilled that she will join us as we honor cancer survivors and acknowledge their individual stories of hope and courage.”

Sponsored by Goshen Center for Cancer Care, True Celebration begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 at Sauder Hall Performing Arts Center on the Goshen College campus. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Early arrival is strongly recommended, as seating will be limited. The Performing Arts Center is located on the Goshen College campus on College Avenue and 12th Street, Goshen, Ind.

The 2009 True Celebration marks the 10 year anniversary of Goshen Center for Cancer Care.

About Goshen Center for Cancer Care:
The Goshen Center for Cancer Care provides medical, radiation, nuclear and surgical oncology as well as naturopathic medicine through its integrative team approach in the treatment of cancer. The model embraces the patient as a whole person, and provides comprehensive multidisciplinary medical management while nurturing the body, mind and spirit of each patient. To find out more about the Goshen Center for Cancer Care or Goshen Health System, call 866-561-HOPE or visit www.goshencancer.org.

About Goshen Health System:
Goshen Health System is a not-for-profit provider of health care that includes Goshen General Hospital, The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Park Home Medical Equipment, PrimeCare Physician Network, Team:Bariatrics, The Retreat Women’s Health Center and Indiana Lakes Managed Care Organization. The health system is an affiliate partner of Clarian Health. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact Bridget Levitz, Public Relations Coordinator at 574-535-2776 or visit www.goshenhealth.org.