October 2012
Volunteer Voice
A Newsletter for MD Anderson Volunteers
A toast to the hosts
Volunteer floor hosts, bilingual floor hosts and patient advocates make a difference You can see them, day, evening and weekend, as they leave the offices of Volunteer Services carrying MD Anderson resources, newspapers, magazines, television guides, toiletries and fliers with special announcements. Since the 1950s, these volunteer floor hosts have been on the go and ready to engage with inpatients and their caregivers. Aiming for friendly visits with easy conversation filled with laughter and occasional tears, the floor hosts make their rounds and often get to know patients on a more personal basis due to the nature of their volunteer placement.
Caring and sharing “When I began floor hosting, I visited with a patient who was at MD Anderson,” says Lexus Bradford, an evening floor host. “I stayed to talk for almost 30 minutes and learned her life story. As I was leaving, she told me how grateful she was for my visit and how happy she was with her care at MD Anderson. From then on, I realized what an impact I could have on patients just by showing that I care.” Many floor hosts are cancer survivors or have been with a loved one undergoing treatment, so they bring unique insight about the cancer journey with the patients they meet. Often, this creates an immediate bond during a visit between the patient and the volunteer. Volunteers comment that the work is all about listening to the patient, something that’s easy to do because they understand. Daytime floor host, now patient advocate, Lori Valencic and her husband, a seven-year survivor, are both volunteers. Lori explains that she learned that the patient she was visiting was an avid ham radio operator. Because her husband is also a “ham,” Lori connected the two and they shared their experiences during many inpatient treatments. As a floor host, the volunteer’s primary role is to provide resource referrals and conversation during visits continued on page 2
Floor host/patient advocate volunteers Lexus Bradford (above) and Lori Valencic (below) gather resources to take along on their patient visits.
continued from page 1 with inpatients, which means one-on-one interaction with patients and often with their caregivers, too. From a simple visit to delivering requested items and offering resource referrals, a floor host can be a patient’s connection to the world both inside and outside the hospital. Volunteer Services also has a much-needed program for bilingual floor hosts. Maria Aranguren meets many people who come from her home country, Venezuela, to MD Anderson for cancer treatment. “I see this as an opportunity to help them and I’ve learned how satisfying that can be,” she says.
Patient advocates step in, too The Volunteer Patient Advocate program was piloted in 1992 with five experienced volunteers on one floor of the hospital. Working closely with the Patient Advocacy staff, they served as liaisons between the patients and staff. In addition to serving as floor hosts, they resolved complaints and handled special requests of a non-clinical nature. This important program continues today. Patient advocates, who have all served as floor hosts, step in to interact with inpatients and their caregivers when a problem or complaint has been identified and they are called on to facilitate the resolution. In addition, the advocates visit with inpatients and caregivers to develop relationships and to answer questions about the hospital. When there is a complaint or concern, the volunteer’s job is to document the issue, including any resolution and/or referral information, and report to Patient Advocacy for follow-up.
“Being the voice for those who can’t or won’t speak up is one of the best parts of my volunteering,” says patient advocate Monya Schwartz. “The days when a patient looks at you and says ‘thank you for volunteering’ are the days I know I have helped a patient — and those are the best days.”
What’s not to like Volunteer coordinators for floor hosts, bilingual floor hosts and patient advocates conducted a survey in 2011 to help identify opportunities to increase volunteer retention in these programs and also to show volunteers that their opinions are valued. “What I like best about the floor host program is the opportunity to just ‘be there’ for patients, to try and brighten their day and just listen,” reports one volunteer. “Truthfully, it feels like I get more out of it than I give — what a bonus!” Other volunteers say that they learn from the training they receive in the program, enjoy the visits they have with the patients and appreciate the help of MD Anderson staff.
Adding to the team As MD Anderson grows, Volunteer Services also increases the numbers of floor host and patient advocate positions needed to serve patients and caregivers. Volunteers placed in these positions soon learn that they receive as much as they give. Current volunteers often mention that helping a patient cope with what is happening and just doing little things can help make a patient’s day better — and that works the other way, too.
Patient advocates and floor hosts speak from their hearts
Don Lehman is a new floor host this year. After retiring from a corporate job that took him all over the world, he played a lot of golf and also became heavily involved with the United Way. “I kept feeling a tapping on my shoulder to do more,” Lehman explained. “When I walked in the doors of MD Anderson to volunteer, I knew this was my calling. My job as a floor host is so rewarding. I’m on P5 working with gastro patients. This is my first experience with direct patient care, but I think my corporate background helps. I can find a commonality with almost anyone and when I look at the patient census, I’m thinking about how to make a connection with those I will visit. Some days are more difficult than others, but friendly conversation and a smile always go a long way.”
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Lana Hadlock, (left), a former caregiver for her hus- band, has been a patient advocate on P7 since 2011. “What I love about being a patient advocate is that I feel like I’m getting something done,” she says. “I’m doing something positive and the people are so great to work with. Whether it’s a simple problem like a television that isn’t working correctly, or a thermostat or bed that needs adjustment, it’s an add-on pleasure to accomplish a task and solve an issue for a patient.”
Joan Cox, (rigjt), has been a dedicated volunteer, work- ing her way to a patient advocate position since 2000. “Many people are from out of town and don’t know anyone at MD Anderson,” she says. “You’re a friendly face with time to listen. Clinical staff members are on a schedule, but my volunteer position allows me to spend an entire morning with one person. The nurses on the floor where I work know me and will often request that I visit a particular patient. They might ask if I can go to a specific room where a patient has just been diagnosed. ‘They’re having a hard time – they have no one.’ My answer is always yes.”
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Dottie Campbell, one of the original patient advocate volunteers, is still volunteering after 20 years. On a weekly basis, she enjoys visiting lymphoma patients on G11 and G15. When asked about her dedication to her volunteer position, she explains, “Being a patient advocate lets the patient have someone to talk to who can smooth things out. This makes all the difference to the patient and I love it. I’ve been able to make a difference to patients from all over the world. It’s given me an outlook on life that I didn’t have before. This institution has changed so much since I became a patient advocate 20 years ago, but the patients won’t see any difference in the friendliness, caring and personal attention they receive from volunteers. If anything, it’s even better!”
Unexpected reunion rekindles friendship By Mary Brolley
Call it what you will: coincidence, happy accident or synchronicity. Four days after emergency brain surgery at MD Anderson last July, Ken Irving just called it incredible. “I knew it was her right away,” he says. He’s referring to Gilly Agosto, a patient advocate for Volunteer Services, who walked into his room on the Brain and Spine inpatient unit during his surgery recovery stay, and introduced herself. Still a bit groggy, Irving couldn’t find the words to greet her, but his wife Janet was immediately struck by her unusual name. “Did you say your name is Gilly?” she asked. “Yes, why do you ask?” Agosto replied. Nodding at Ken, Janet said, “Well, it’s just that my husband was on a plane from London with a couple named Gilly and Andy on Sept. 11, 2001, and the plane was diverted to Halifax, Nova Scotia …” Stunned, Agosto looked at Ken, then down at her clipboard, then back at him. Then she made a beeline for him. “Ken Irving!” she said, engulfing him in a hug. “And you’re Janet!” she added, turning to his wife. Then, for the first time in nearly 11 years, Gilly and Ken talked. First, they talked about the diagnosis of advanced melanoma that landed Ken at MD Anderson in January 2011. Here, he underwent major surgeries to his nose and one of his salivary glands, followed by five courses of radiation. When scans revealed that the melanoma had spread to his brain, he had gamma knife radiosurgery in April 2012. Then, in July, a seizure caused by brain lesions required emergency surgery. Agosto’s volunteer patient advocate placement led her to his room for a visit and to make certain that he had no special needs or concerns. This was just a lucky day that brought these friends back together.
Fateful meeting turns strangers into friends The Agostos and Ken Irving originally met as they waited for four hours on the tarmac in Halifax while authorities scrambled to find them and many other diverted passengers safe places to shelter. Far from home, they spent hours together during the next few days. Information about the terrorist attacks on the New York and Washington, D.C., areas was hard to come by. Communication was difficult and no one knew when they’d be able to fly home. Their hosts — the citizens of Halifax — were generous and kind. “First, we were brought to a high school. We slept on pool floats and air mattresses,” Ken recalls. “And we got to
Ken Irving and Gilly Agosto know each other — we talked for hours.” “Late that first night, once we were settled, we all walked to a sports bar to see footage of the planes hitting the World Trade Centers,” Ken said. “It was infuriating.” When townspeople offered to feed and shelter stranded passengers, the Agostos and another woman traveling alone were taken home by a local couple. “I was doing fine at the school,” Ken laughs. “But a few hours later, they came back to get me.” Four days after being diverted, everyone who had been on Continental Flight 35 out of Gatwick Airport reassembled at the Halifax airport to fly back to Houston. And, although they kept in touch via emails and holiday cards for a few years, Ken and the Agostos went back to their lives. They hadn’t seen each other since 2001. Through the years, the Irvings welcomed two more children to their family. Their daughter had been just 3 on Sept. 11, and Gilly remembers comparing notes about the Agostos’ three children with Ken during their talks. Their chance meeting — and special reunion — continues to amaze Gilly. “At two very intense times, something just brought us together,” she says. Janet Irving is sure that the connection will last. “We’re so glad that she walked into our room,” she says. “Now we’re irrevocably tied. She’s in my cell phone,” she adds with a laugh.
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VEPS funds benefit patients and their families The annual Volunteer Endowment for Patient Support (VEPS) luncheon was held on March 21 at River Oaks Country club and introduced MD Anderson’s new president, Ronald DePinho, M.D., to many in the Houston community. He shared his vision for the institution and the role that MD Anderson will play in Making Cancer History.® This year’s event was chaired by Cinda and Bill Matthews along with Muffin and Jim Clark. The event netted $100,000, increasing the endowment to $2.7 million. The audience was also inspired and touched by Cinda and Muffin’s remarks about their cancer journey together as patient and caregiver. Founded in 1991, VEPS grew from a volunteer’s vision to raise funds to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The VEPS Disbursement Committee distributes funds originating from the accrued interest of the Volunteer Endowment for Patient Support to meet the social, emotional, comfort, informational and recreational needs of patients at MD Anderson. The following are just a few of the patient programs that have been funded: • Blanket warmers • Patient education materials • ICU Early Mobilization Program • Stem Cell Transplant Caregiver Program • COLLAGE/Palliative Care Artist-in-Residence Program • Social Work support groups • Holiday luncheon for patients and caregivers • Rotary House bingo Support of the VEPS event helps Volunteer Services continue to fund and provide these important programs to benefit our patients and their caregivers throughout the cancer center. Donations to VEPS make a vital, positive difference in countless lives.
A crowd of volunteers and community supporters gather for the 2012 VEPS luncheon.
Ronald DePinho M.D., MD Anderson president and keynote speaker at the VEPS luncheon
Pam Reitz, patient advocate volunteer, and Rick Reitz, VEPS chair and evening floor host volunteer
VEPS luncheon co-chairs Jim and Muffin Clark and Cinda and Bill Matthews page 5
MD Anderson volunteers honored by the Texas Medical Center Two dedicated volunteers were honored this spring at the annual Texas Medical Center Salute to Volunteers. Volunteer Services recognized Katie Hailey, who came to know MD Anderson during her son’s treatment. After retiring from the City of Houston, Hailey became a volunteer to give back to an institution that had given so much to her. On Mondays, Katie is assigned to the Ambulatory Treatment Center, where she brings patients refreshments and blankets as they wait for treatment. On Fridays, she’s in the Anderson Network Hospitality Center, offering support, conversation and refreshments to patients and their families. Communicating with patients, especially those who are alone or far from home, is her goal. Since signing on as a volunteer in 2006, Hailey has accumulated more than 2,200 volunteer hours. “Katie has a kind word, a compassionate heart and a loving hug for those who need it,” says her volunteer coordinator, Betty Griffith. “We’re so lucky to have her as a volunteer at MD Anderson. Katie is truly deserving of being named our representative to the TMC Salute to Volunteers.” Debbie Armes represented the Children’s Art Project (CAP) at
Katie Hailey (left), and Debbie Armes with Richard Wainerdi, Ph.D., long-time CEO of the Texas Medical Center, receive recognition at the annual TMC Salute to Volunteers. the event. Debbie has worked as a microbiologist at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Program, and has volunteered with the Children’s Art Project at MD Anderson since 1998. She is dedicated to helping the art project and works by staffing booths and tables at shows and events, pulling and packing customer orders, stuffing and mailing envelopes, archiving artwork, and even decorating the art project’s annual holiday tree at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Armes served on CAP’s Proceeds Allocation Committee from 2005 to 2008, and has accumulated more than 1,900 volunteer hours. “Debbie is without a doubt one of the most invaluable volunteers I’ve ever worked with,” says LaTroy Jones, volunteer coordinator for the Children’s Art Project. “She always dedicates her time and efforts to CAP, and she radiates an aura of creativity, happiness and passion that inspires everyone around her. Debbie truly believes in CAP’s mission of making life better for children with cancer.”
New Patient/Family Center The Patient/Family Center (currently R2.1200) and the Cyber Center (currently B4.4317) are combining operations and moving to a new location. Now simply called the Patient/Family Center, these services, which are overseen by Volunteer Services, will be found in B2.4314 of the Main Building, just off Elevator D near The Park. The new location offers business services such as computer page 6
and Internet access, fax, copier and a printer. There is also a quiet space where patients may rest between appointments. Volunteers will staff the center and facilitate the needs of patients and their guests. Both of the original centers will close their former sites on Wednesday, Oct. 10 and will reopen in their shared space on Monday, Oct. 15.
Celebrating survivorship MD Anderson celebrated survivors June 2-9 with a week of events and activities. The week kicked off when the Riders for the Cure, MD Anderson’s motorcycle riders group, held its annual Ride for Life. After that, numerous activities commemorating survivors were scheduled around the institution. From origami, collage, stamping sessions, journaling, scarftying demonstrations, Facing the Mirror with Cancer makeup sessions, a photo booth to capture the day and balloon twisting for kids both old and young, The Aquarium lobby was the place to be. Many of our teen volunteers assisted with these Survivorship Week activities. MD Anderson had a full range of survivor-related educational sessions planned for the main campus and at the regional care centers, too. In addition, the annual CancerCare Survivorship Series: Living With, Through and Beyond Cancer presented a pre-recorded podcast on Recapturing Joy and Finding Meaning. Survivorship Week concluded with Anderson Network’s Cancer180 Symposium on Sat. June 9. This was a time to celebrate survivors and their caregivers, to learn more about cancer survivorship and to feel thankful for the care and treatment provided by MD Anderson. Today, there are more than 10 million cancer survivors in the United States. One out of every six people older than 65 is a cancer survivor, and 1.4 million were diagnosed more than 20 years ago. Earlier detection, improved treatments and the supportive care of family and friends all contribute to the growing numbers of cancer survivors. The Volunteer Endowment for Patient Support has committed $20,000 a year to fund the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Survivorship Week activities.
Top photo – Teen volunteer Ana Flores demonstrates scarf tying.
Below – Kerrie Savidge and Deepa Patel operate the Hat Cart.
Above – Sameer Habib, teen volunteer, pins a Survivorship Week button on a patient. page 7
Volunteer questionnaire: Inquiring minds want to know By Johnny Rigg
There’s information for both current and potential volunteers on the Volunteer Services’ website, but a more recent feature, the Volunteer Interest Questionnaire, gathers important information for the department. “The old questionnaire was launched in January 2009,” says Volunteer Services program manager Mary Jackson. “Prior to this, whoever was interested could call or email Volunteer Services to arrange to attend an orientation, but often people didn’t understand what they were signing up for. Now, it’s important for interested volunteers to know the new process. The questionnaire has become the first step.” The new questionnaire, which debuted in early June, asks candidates to provide recruitment staff with basic background information and includes a self-assessment. The old questionnaire asked for the individual’s schedule and availability, employment and education background and the type of volunteer work the potential volunteer is interested in. With the new document, there are four questions allowing candidates to learn more about what is expected of volunteers before going any further. “The new questionnaire gives us the opportunity to share with potential candidates what positions are available,” Jackson says. “The selfassessment makes it more clear, as the questions are directed toward the applicant’s schedule and strengths.” After candidates provide the necessary information, they are contacted for over-the-phone screenings to determine the potential volunteers’ level of commitment. “We are able to see if we can meet
Interested in becoming an MD Anderson volunteer? • Go to our website to learn more about our programs: www.mdanderson.org/volunteer. • Complete the Volunteer Interest Questionnaire found at www.mdanderson.org/volunteerinterest. • If there is a position that matches your interests, you will be contacted by a staff member in the Department of Volunteer Services.
Thank you for your interest!
Volunteer Services 1515 Holcombe Boulevard – Unit 115 Houston, Texas 77030-4009 713-792-JOIN volunteering@mdanderson.org www.mdanderson.org/volunteerinterest
Scan with your smartphone to fill out the Volunteer Interest questionnaire.
the individual’s needs and if MD Anderson is a good fit,” Jackson says. “After a one-on-one interview with our staff, those interested can sign up for an orientation.” Placement is based on what positions are available and on the participant’s schedule, interests and experience, Jackson says. Candidates are placed after a background check and application process. “Many people would like to be a part of MD Anderson’s mission, but are often not properly informed about the type of services that will be required of them,” Jackson says.
Volunteers in force “MD Anderson currently has approximately 1,100 regular day, evening and weekend volunteers,” Jackson says. “On average, we receive 180 volunteer applications every month. These numbers became increasingly difficult to handle and we needed to develop a way to streamline the process. page 8
“So far, more than 700 potential volunteers have used the online questionnaire. We have been able to do a better job of educating applicants, explaining what our program is about,” she says. “Informing volunteers of the position’s different responsibilities, duties and required commitment saves time for both them and us.” Since the department was founded in 1954, Volunteer Services has provided services and support throughout MD Anderson, allowing volunteers to join staff members and faculty to offer patients care and compassion. The Volunteer Services website explains the different areas of volunteering and is divided into adult, college and teen criteria. The site also outlines volunteer benefits, opportunities and descriptions along with contact information for those with additional questions. “The need for volunteers has changed with the continuous expansion to the campus,” says Jackson. “One of our goals is for each inpatient at MD Anderson to be visited by at least one volunteer at least once a day. We always need more volunteers involved in direct patient contact.” The new questionnaire can be found online at mdanderson.org/ volunteerinterest.
MD Anderson launches game-changing Moon Shots Program MD Anderson has launched an unprecedented effort to dramatically accelerate the pace of converting scientific discoveries into clinical advances that reduce cancer deaths. President Ronald DePinho, M.D., says that a decade from now, the success of the new Moon Shots Program will be measured by patient mortality and nothing more. “It’s not enough to discover,” he says. “We must do.” The program brings together sizable multidisciplinary groups of researchers and clinicians to mount comprehensive attacks on eight cancers initially. They’ll work as part of six moon shot teams: • Acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia • Melanoma • Lung cancer • Prostate cancer • Women’s cancers – Triple-negative breast cancer and high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which are linked at the molecular level One of the moon shot leaders, Gordon Mills, M.D., Ph.D., chair and professor in the Department of Systems Biology, says it›s patients who remind us why this effort can›t wait. “We’re no longer talking about it. We’re no longer thinking about it. We’re no longer promising it for the future. We’re doing it today,” he says. cancermoonshots.org
We need you for a quick online survey Please give us a few minutes of your time to complete an online survey for the Volunteer Voice newsletter: • The survey is short and simple — 10 questions that will help guide us in planning future issues. • Your responses will be confidential and will not capture your email address. • You can access the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/volunteervoice. Please type this web address into your browser to reach the survey. We appreciate your feedback. We also encourage you to subscribe to the Volunteer Voice online at https://www3.mdanderson.org/subscription. There is no charge for the subscription and you will be notified by email when a new issue is published. The Editor 2012 Anderson Network Painter Award winner and volunteer since 2002, Rosemary Herron. page 9
Volunteers touted during National Volunteer Week Although the contributions of MD Anderson volunteers are appreciated every day of the year, National Volunteer Week is a time to thank all volunteers for the collective impact they have on patients and the cancer center as a whole. National Volunteer Week is a time set aside in our country to honor all volunteers engaged in community efforts. In addition to MD Anderson, the Texas Medical Center also recognizes National Volunteer Week by honoring all TMC volunteer programs and holding a celebration in early summer. In April, Volunteer Services showed its appreciation for the dedication and skills that volunteers bring to their positions with two celebrations. Recognizing the extraordinary volunteer service contributed by our 1,100 volunteers, daytime volunteers were honored at a luncheon on April 19 in the Duncan Family Institute for Cancer Prevention and Risk Assessment Ballroom, while the evening and weekend volunteers were thanked at an evening reception on April 12 at The Junior League of Houston, Inc.
Jane Saladin, Larry Saladin
Jim Averill, Mabel Ligh, Janice Bordovsky, Celene Chasen
Clinic aide volunteers honored
2012 Joseph T. Ainsworth, M.D., Volunteer Community Award MD Anderson clinic aide volunteers were recognized as the recipients of the 2012 Ainsworth Award during spring volunteer recognition events. Clinic aide volunteers assist patients during clinic visits and their consistent warm greetings make everyone feel more comfortable and at ease. In the clinics, they also educate patients about the many resources at MD Anderson, serve as advocates and provide excellent customer service. These special volunteers are an integral part of outpatient operations, and make it possible for the medical team to concentrate on patient treatment. Clinic aide volunteers offer
a large support system to our patients and caregivers. Working with faculty and staff, this group of caring volunteers provides MD Anderson patients, their families and friends with special attention and assistance. Volunteer Services thanks them for sharing support, passion and dedication. Thanks to the clinic aides from the following Main Building clinics:
Ambulatory Treatment Center Cardiopulmonary Center Emergency Center Endoscopy Center GI Oncology Center Head and Neck Center Infusion Therapy page 10
Internal Medicine Leukemia Center Leukemia/Lymphoma Society Melanoma and Skin Center Mohs and Dermasurgery Center Sarcoma Center Thoracic Center
Thanks to the clinic aides from the following Mays clinic locations:
Ambulatory Treatment Center Breast Center Breast Diagnostic Imaging Center General Ultrasound Genitourinary Center – Ambulatory Treatment Center Nuclear Medicine Proton Therapy Center
Norma Kaderka (left) and Ashma Khanani-Moosa
Front (from left), Kay Rogers, Sharon Pierce, Ngoc Ton; Back (from left), Barbie Adams, David McKenney, Charles Rawls, Steve Walker, Sharon Walker
Rosine Chappell
My Chau Nguyen
Front (from left), Julisa Anaya, Linda Mallery, Hollie Lampton; Back (from right), Caitlin May, Madylan Eskridge, Eric Hughes page 11
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PA I D Houston, Texas Permit No. 7052
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Cancer Center Volunteer Services 163100 /30076654 — Unit 115 1515 Holcombe Houston Texas 77030-3800
Calender of Events Continuing Education BrainSuite® - Thursday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-noon, Main Building, Floor 11, Rooms 1 & 2 Listening: A Skill You Can Learn Saturday, Nov. 3, 9-11 a.m., Main Building, Floor 11, R11.1100, Rooms 5 &6 Banner MD Anderson - Wednesday, Nov. 7, 9-11 a.m., John Mendelsohn Faculty Center, AT&T Classroom, FC1.2002 The Patient Connection Workshop (formerly Volunteer Orientation II)
This workshop includes tips in delivering exceptional caring communication, boundaries, customer service, the patient perspective and an overview of MD Anderson’s psychosocial support services. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 6-8 p.m., Floor 11, Main Building, Rooms 1 & 2
October 2012 Wednesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., FCT2.4142, Room B Thursday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Main Building, Floor 11, Room. 7 What’s New Walking Tour Keep up with What’s New at MD Anderson while receiving your annual continuing education credit. Tour highlights include the observation deck, Rotary House, Beauty/Barber Shop, laundry facilities, Muslim Prayer Room, Pickens Tower, Patient Supplies, as well as other important locations. Tour group size is limited, so reserve your place by calling 713-792-7180 or email volunteering@mdanderson.org. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2-4 p.m. Positive feedback and popular demand bring this series back on a year-round basis
I*CARE (Interpersonal Communication and Relationship Enhancement) Video
You may receive your annual continuing education credit by viewing a series of videos developed for MD Anderson patients and families as part of the I*CARE program. Topics include Cancer and Marriage, Side Effects of Cancer Treatments, Learning to Cope When Your Parent Has Cancer and the Caregiver Perspective. Viewing time is approximately 90 minutes. For your convenience, the videos may be viewed on your own computer. To register and for more information contact: Mary Donnelly Jackson, 713-792-3792, mdonnelly@mdanderson.org.