Breast Cancer Survivors and Physicians Celebrate at 'Dance in My Shoes'

"Dance in My Shoes," a celebration of breast cancer survivorship that invites survivors to learn and have fun while seeing their doctors in a whole new light, will be held Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Magovern Conference Center at Allegheny General Hospital.

"Dance with the Doctors," in which six West Penn Allegheny Health System oncology physicians will perform special dance routines with current and former patients, highlights the evening’s entertainment. An hour of open dancing will follow for those who’d like to invite their doctors for a spin on the dance floor.

The event will also feature judging of a shoe-decorating contest, with shoes decorated by hospital departments, survivors and family members to reflect patients’ breast cancer journeys.

The program will kick off with a talk by Betsy Blazek-O’Neill, MD, Medical Director of the Integrated Medicine Program at AGH, titled “What Now? How to Deal with the Anxieties of Being a Cancer Survivor.”

"'Dance in My Shoes' is an opportunity for survivors to learn, to celebrate—and to dance," said Jane Raymond, MD, Director of Medical Oncology at WPAHS and AGH. "During survivorship it’s important for women to keep their spirits up and to continue educating themselves about breast cancer. We hope 'Dance in My Shoes' helps our patients accomplish these goals."

For her dance, Dr. Raymond will perform a Steelers polka with the husband of one of her patients. William Poller, MD, Director of Breast Imaging at WPAHS and Associate Director of the Breast Care Center at AGH, will do a Greek dance with one of his patients. Surgical oncologist Donald Keenan, MD, will perform the Chicken Dance with a group of patients, and Mark Trombetta, MD, System Director of Clinical Program Development, Department of Radiation Oncology, WPAHS, will perform a special dance with a patient.

The program is free and open to anyone who has been treated for breast cancer within West Penn Allegheny Health System. Parking is free, along with food and refreshments.

For more information, call Altesia Lovelace at 412.359.8177. RSVPs are requested and may be made by calling 412.330.4469.

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