For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Gloria O'Connell, 612-863-4801

Allina's Unity Hospital hosts Spirit of Hope in Cancer Care Symposium Oct. 29

FRIDLEY, Minn. 10/21/2009--The Spirit of Hope in Cancer Care Symposium is designed for clergy, lay ministry teams, seminarians, chaplains, and those who care for patients in the hospital and the community. Pre-registration is preferred, but not required for the Oct. 29 event.

"Patients who hear the words ‘you have cancer’ face many uncertainties -- and their families may share their fears. The diagnosis involves more than the medical, suddenly there are issues in many aspects of their lives," says Unity Hospital Chaplain Gerald L. Friest, MDiv, BCC.

"Symposium participants will gain valuable insight into the medical and spiritual care of patients with cancer. Understanding more about cancer, treatment options and supportive therapies will help spiritual advisors and caregivers to help all those affected by cancer," Friest says.

Oncologist Jade Anderson, M.D., will give a clinical overview of cancer; Rev. Howard Bell will speak about complementary therapies as part of holistic care; and Rev. Denise Dunbar-Perkins, MDiv, will discuss the emotional and spiritual care of patients. And, a long-time hospital chaplain, Rev. Alan Grant, and his wife will share their experiences during his journey with cancer.

The symposium will be held Thursday, Oct. 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Unity Hospital, 550 Osborne Rd. in Fridley. It is co-sponsored by the Spiritual Care and Clinical Pastoral Education department, and the Cancer Centers of Unity and Mercy hospitals.

The cost of the symposium is $30 and continuing education credits are available. Contact Sue Lunquist at 763-236-8050 or Sue.Linquist@allina.com to register.

Part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Unity Hospital in Fridley and Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids are non-profit hospitals serving the northern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Mercy and Unity offer a wide range of health care services including weight-loss surgery, behavioral health, cardiac care, emergency, cancer, orthopedics, neurology and women’s and children’s services.