Third annual ‘Facing Cancer with the Faith Community’ Conference

Posted by admin Latest News Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

From The Wellness Community

In late 2004, Phoenix resident Mike Hattasch’s life changed forever when his doctor called him with the devastating diagnosis of a brain tumor. “He told me I was lucky not to be blind, paralyzed or even dead,” says Mike today. “I was so overwhelmed with fear that I don’t even remember saying good-bye. My thoughts immediately shifted to Pam, my wife of twenty-three years, and how she would take the news.”

In January 2005, Mike’s tumor was successfully removed in what the doctor’s called a “miracle surgery.” But only one month later, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and deadly form of blood cancer. “At that time, the research showed that only twenty percent of those with my diagnosis survive more than five years,” he says. “My first priority, as you might expect, was to focus on my relationship with God, so I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ at a new church that Pam and I had found.”

Mike’s next goal was to help others dealing with their own cancer journeys. “My church was very supportive, but like many others, they didn’t have any experience in setting up cancer support programming. So I was extremely gratified when I learned about the Facing Cancer in the Faith Community Conference spearheaded by The Wellness Community,” he explains.

Mike attended the inaugural conference in 2008, which inspired him to facilitate a cancer support group at his newly-found place of worship, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church in Chandler. This year, he will be among the featured presenters at the 2010 Facing Cancer in the Faith Community Conference on September 15 at Central United Methodist Church, Phoenix, AZ.

Religious leaders are invited to this unique event, which will explore faith and cancer from the perspectives of researchers, medical practitioners and religious figures, as well as individuals living with cancer and their families. The all-day non-denominational conference is open to everyone within the faith community seeking effective and meaningful strategies to support those whose lives are touched by cancer. The event, sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Hospice of the Valley, is being held to benefit The Wellness Community, which offers more than 100 professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise seminars and stress reduction classes each month to Arizonans living with cancer and their families

For more information visit: www.twccaz.org.