GLENDALE (June 3, 2008) – On Monday, June 23, a panel of healthcare experts from Banner Thunderbird Medical Center  and Hospice of the Valley  will present  “Mobilizing Resources and Support” as part of an educational series for Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s “I Can Cope” program.

The panel of speakers will describe resources in the community for care and support during cancer treatment.

Speakers include Mandy Smith, RN with Banner Home Care; Patrice Al-Shatti, a social worker with Hospice of the Valley; Barbara Erickson, a cancer survivor; and Patti Jensen, a social worker with Banner Thunderbird.

“I Can Cope” is a program developed by the American Cancer Society that provides education about cancer, treatment and coping skills for people with cancer and those who love and care for them.  The knowledge and support gained from the sessions reduces the fear and anxiety that often occurs with a new cancer diagnosis. “I Can Cope” fosters understanding and encouragement from health care professionals, people living with cancer and those who have survived it. 

This free program is offered every fourth Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through the month of November 2008 at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Conference Room 5, located in the lower level of the hospital near the cafeteria.  For more information or to RSVP for a session, please contact Patti Jensen at (602) 865-5450.

Banner Thunderbird Medical Center is located at 5555 W. Thunderbird Rd. in Glendale.

About Banner Thunderbird Medical Center - Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, part of Banner Health—a not-for-profit health system with 21 hospitals throughout the West—is a 374-bed acute-care hospital featuring a behavioral health center, children’s center and dedicated outpatient center located in Glendale, Arizona at 5555 West Thunderbird Road.  Banner Thunderbird is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.