This Saturday on April 30th, Karine Chung, MD, MSCE, a member of the Oncofertility Consortium’s National Physicians Cooperative, will be speaking at an event called Cancer and Fertility: Actualizing Your Dreams of Parenthood after Cancer. The event is being held at the Santa Monica Library from 2-4:30pm (PST) and hopes to attract young cancer survivors and caregivers throughout the cancer community who are interested in learning more about fertility options following treatment.
Andrea Stratton, Service Manager for the Fertile Future Program, which is funding the event, states that the program works with non-profits, such as the Oncofertility Consortium, to provide financial assistance for individuals with limited means. The program also coordinates with cancer related non-profit organizations to educate patients and providers on fertility preservation options for newly diagnosed cancer patients.
At Saturday’s event, survivors will learn how to check their fertility after cancer treatment, available options for individuals who preserved their fertility before cancer treatment, and finally options for individuals whose fertility has already been impacted by treatment. Cancer and Fertility will feature a knowledgeable set of panelists consisting of a Reproductive Endocrinologist (Dr. Karine Chung), a Young Adult Oncologist, a Urologist/Andrologist and most importantly, cancer survivors sharing their stories on starting a family after cancer.
Along with an exciting and informative panel, there will be plenty of professional resources on hand for individuals who would like to learn more about particular options or questions they have in regard to starting a family after a cancer diagnosis. Additional resources will include an adoption agency representative, a genetic counselor, a legal assistance program representative and a surrogacy agency representative.
Beverages and snacks will be provided during the event followed by a free Stupid Cancer Happy Hour at Barney’s Beanery hosted by I’m Too Young for This. For more information, please visit the Cancer and Fertility event page at www.cancerandfertility.eventbrite.com.