Chernobyl 20th Anniversary Marks 20 Years of Learning and Reflecting

April 26, 2006 marks the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident in the Ukraine. Four years later, pediatric thyroid cancer began to increase in the area near Chernobyl in Ukraine and Belarus, drawing worldwide attention.

This year, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association is reaching out in many ways to remember and learn from Chernobyl. “We seek to increase thyroid cancer awareness, as well as to reach out to the Chernobyl area and worldwide, and to connect patients, families, and friends with ThyCa’s free support services and education,” said Cherry Wunderlich, ThyCa Outreach Coordinator.

We invite you to help spread the message.

Ways to help:

Tell others about the Chernobyl Thyroid Cancer Convocation in Boston, Massachusetts on Monday, May 1, 2006. Attend if you can.

The Chernobyl Thyroid Cancer Convocation is a free one-day educational forum for physicians and patients. Speakers include six physicians and researchers, plus a panel of patients. Coordinator is Gregory W. Randolph, M.D., Harvard Medical School Associate Professor, and Director, General Otolaryngology Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and the Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgical Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. The program is presented by the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in cooperation with Children’s Chernobyl Project and ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (www.thyca.org). For more information call Dr. Randolph’s MEEI office: 617-573-4115. A flyer with details about the Chernobyl Thyroid Cancer Convocation is on ThyCa’s Calendar of Events.
Help spread the word about ThyCa’s free events and educational programs. Events include free one-day Workshops in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Missouri; local support groups with monthly meetings coast to coast; and the 9th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Orlando, Florida, on October 27-29, 2006. You’ll find details on ThyCa’s Calendar of Events.
Help raise awareness of thyroid cancer, which has had the fastest increase in incidence of any cancer. Ask for ThyCa’s free Thyroid Cancer Awareness Brochures. Or give or wear the Awareness Wristbands, Pins, or other Spirit items. Take part in ThyCa’s year-round awareness activities, as well as Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, sponsored by ThyCa.
At your next doctor’s appointment, ask for a neck check. Know the signs of a thyroid nodule. http://www.thyca.org/aboutthyroidcancer.htm
Help connect thyroid cancer survivors and caregivers with ThyCa’s many free support services: the Person-To-Person Network, Local Support Groups, E-Mail Support, and Telephone Support.
Become a ThyCa member, volunteer, or both.
Support Thyroid Cancer Research, for a future free of thyroid cancer.

E-mail to thyca@thyca.org or call 877-588-7904.

Thank you for your support!