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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dr. Daniel Vicario, a board certified Medical Oncologist, has been treating patients with cancer at the San Diego Cancer Center for the past twelve years. He is a co-founder of the not-for-profit San Diego Cancer Research Institute and serves as the Medical Director for the Integrative Program. Through listening to his patients needs and learning from their experiences he developed the concept of providing free access to a complementary program that integrates mind-body healing techniques and arts to help people who face the challenges of cancer. Michele A. Rodgaard, LCSW, was recruited by Dr. Vicario in September 2002 to organize the Integrative Program and put it into action. Ms. Rodgaard has 22 years of experience working with individuals and their families in the oncology field. She has had 18 years of inpatient hospital experience working with patients as they go through all types of medical and emotional crisis. For the past 12 years Michele has been developing and facilitating cancer support groups, along with providing individual and family counseling. In its fourth year, the Integrative Program for cancer patients and their families continues today with approximately 30 volunteers at the San Diego Cancer Center in Encinitas and Vista. These volunteers include professional Massage, Art, and Aroma Therapists; Reiki, Yoga, Qi Gong Masters and Instructors, Acupuncturists, and Nutritionists who give their time and skills weekly. Services are all provided at no cost to anyone suffering with cancer, as well as the patient's family, regardless of where the patient is being treated. Both Dr. Vicario and Michele spend many extra and unpaid hours at the SDCC and at home in order to ensure the success of the Integrative Program and coordinate its volunteers. They firmly believe in the integration of disciplines to improve the quality of life, and they are grateful to the San Diego Cancer Center for sponsoring the non-profit Research Institute from its inception. The SDCRI's Integrative Program gives patients a chance to have an activity to look forward to, while providing skills to cope with the challenges of cancer. The SDCRI's intent is to provide a complement to standard medical care helping patients deal with the fatigue, depression, anxiety, and loss experienced with cancer. These complementary services are provided free-of-charge and available to the community of cancer patients and their caregivers at large. This program could never exist without the generosity of the many dedicated volunteers. Ms. Rodgaard and Dr Vicario feel that this award should be shared equally by all the volunteers who work with them. They hope that the growth of SDCRI's Integrative Program will continue for years to come. Michele A. Rodgaard and Dr. Dan Vicario
will receive the 10Leadership Award on Wednesday, May 24, 2006.
Watch 10News, Live @ 5:00 on Thursday, June 8, 2006 for the presentation
of the award. For more information, please contact San Diego Cancer Research Institute at (760) 598-1711 or visit http://www.sdcri.org The 10Leadership Award recognizes San Diegans who are dedicated to improving our community. To nominate a friend or colleague, log on to 10News.com and click on "10Leadership Award" to fill out a nomination form. The 10Leadership Award committee, made up of KGTV staff members and LEAD San Diego members, will review each submission. You can also send a nomination letter to 10Leadership Award, P.O. Box 85347, San Diego, CA 92186. Include your phone number and address, as well as the contact information for the person you are nominating. 10News reporter Geni Cavitt presents the 10Leadership Award each Thursday on 10News Live @ 5:00. The 10Leadership Award:
another way 10News, Sempra Energy, and LEAD San Diego are making
San Diego a better place to live. |
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