Listen to the UVA Today Radio Show report on this story by Jane Ford:



June 2, 2010 — The University of Virginia Cancer Center is offering a free conference for those touched by cancer, their families, caregivers and the community. The program, "Cancer as a Turning Point: From Surviving to Thriving,"is designed to educate and inspire participants about healing the whole person, not just treating the disease.

It will take place Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Abbott Center at U.Va.'s Darden School of Business. Advance registration is closed, but walk-ins are welcome.

Speakers, performers, music, humor, healing stories and networking time create an experience that makes a difference in the recovery of patients and the practice of health care. According to event organizers, viewing illness in the context of the whole person (body, mind, emotions and spirit) can be a transformative experience and an awakening for the soul and spirit. Participants learn to differentiate between curing the body and healing the person.

The program – being presented in Virginia for the first time – is open to the public, and in particular women and men touched by cancer or any life-altering illness; health care providers; and people supporting friends or family touched by cancer or other illness.

Visit here to hear more about mental and spiritual healing from Michael Lerner, who will be speaking at the conference.

The conference is sponsored by the U.Va. Cancer Center and Healing Journeys.