Overlake Hospital Medical Center will host its second annual conference for cancer survivors from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 8 at Overlake’s PACCAR Education Center, 1035 116th Avenue NE in Bellevue.

Entitled ‘The Climb to Wellness,’ the conference is a motivational and educational event connecting cancer survivors and caregivers with other survivors and healthcare providers who can provide new and valuable survivorship information.

“The major improvements in early cancer detection and treatment mean we now have millions of cancer survivors – currently more than 10 million throughout the U.S.,” said Pam Rock, director of Cancer Services at Overlake. “After completing active treatment, these patients may be cancer free, but they’re also often physically and emotionally drained.”

Rock added that by offering survivorship programs and clinics, “we’re helping address their ongoing needs for support, counseling and assistance as they return to wellness, jobs and their ‘normal’ daily activities.”

Keynote speakers at the event include Glenn Rockowitz, local writer, comedian, filmmaker, four-time cancer survivor and author of Rodeo in Joliet, a memoir. Also featured is Scott Baker, MD, MS, director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program. Break-out sessions cover the following:

Nutrition, Complementary Therapies, Stress and Self-Care

Exercise, Sexuality/Intimacy and Overlake’s Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic.

The conference is free and includes breakfast, lunch and a resource fair. During the conference, attendees are also invited to view the artwork on display in Overlake’s Medical Office Tower from Lilly Oncology on Canvas: Expressions of a Cancer Journey, a traveling art exhibit featuring works by cancer survivors depicting their cancer experiences.

Conference space is limited. To register, call Amy McGann at 425-688-5816.