The Colon Cancer Alliance Teams up with Joan Lunden for Amgen Sponsored Workshop Series Designed to Provide Support to Patients and Caregivers
The 2nd Annual Workshop Program is Part of Education Effort Launched During March's Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
WASHINGTON & THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Mar 05, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) and Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today
announced that journalist and best-selling author, Joan Lunden, will
partner with the CCA for "Conversations about Colorectal Cancer," a
series of seminars focused on providing support and educational
resources for colorectal cancer patients and their caregivers. The
seminar series, first launched in late 2006, is made possible by an
educational donation from Amgen.
In 2008, "Conversations About Colorectal Cancer" will travel to
several cities across the country allowing attendees to hear from
thought-leading physicians on the latest treatment advances. The
events are free and provide patients and caregivers the opportunity to
share their experiences and support one another in their battle
against colorectal cancer in an interactive forum.
"The fight against colorectal cancer often leaves patients feeling
isolated and overwhelmed by the choices they have to make around
treatment options," said Tim Turnham, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer,
Colon Cancer Alliance. "'Conversations about Colorectal Cancer' is an
opportunity for patients to find community with other patients, and to
interact with doctors who are at the cutting edge of care for this
disease. We are deeply grateful to Amgen for making these
conversations possible, and are thrilled that Joan Lunden is teaming
up with us for these events."
Joan Lunden, who grew up as the daughter of a physician, believes
that the most fulfilling part of her job as co-host on Good Morning
America was keeping people informed and motivated to take charge of
their health. It's something she still very passionate about. "Cancer
is one of the scariest words anyone can ever hear from a doctor," said
Lunden. "I am so happy to be part of a program that empowers patients
living with colorectal cancer by providing them with the information
they need to maintain a dialogue with their physicians."
Upcoming seminars are planned at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa,
FL on Saturday March 8th, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center in Durham,
NC on Saturday April 5th and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in
Seattle, WA on Saturday April 12th. Seminars are also being planned
for Houston, TX, New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA. To obtain more
information and register for one of the seminars, patients and their
loved ones may call 1-877-422-2030 or visit the CCA Web site at
www.ccalliance.org.
About Colorectal Cancer
Although more Americans have become aware of colorectal cancer in
recent years, one person still dies of the disease every nine minutes.
Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United
States (U.S.). In fact, one in 18 people in the U.S. will develop
colorectal cancer in their lifetime, yet if caught early, it is one of
the most curable cancers. The American Cancer Society estimated that
153,760 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in
2007; an estimated 52,180 also died from colorectal cancer.
The Colon Cancer Alliance
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy
organization, with chapters located across the country, and the
official patient support partner of Katie Couric's National Colorectal
Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA). CCA is dedicated to ending the
suffering caused by colorectal cancer. The CCA brings the voice of
survivors to battle colon cancer through patient support, education,
research and advocacy. CCA invites any and all organizations,
government agencies, members of the medical community and individuals
impacted by this disease to add their voices by joining CCA in their
determination to eradicate colorectal cancer. The CCA's toll-free
helpline is 1-877-422-2030, or visit the Web site at
www.ccalliance.org.
About Amgen
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative
human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one
of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by
bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing
plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of
medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight
against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other
serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new
medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to
dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our
pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.
SOURCE: Amgen
Amgen, Thousand Oaks
Megan Fox: (805) 447-1423 (media)
Cory Rivera: (805) 447-1060 (investors)