DeKALB | The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Hospital presents Living with Cancer, a cancer awareness week full of educational sessions, social events, and guest speakers.

“Living with Cancer is a special week dedicated to the journey, healing, and survivorship of cancer patients,” said Tamara Farrell, a writer for marketing and public relations at Kishwaukee Hospital. “This is the first cancer awareness week of its kind [at the Cancer Center].”

Events for the week include an ice cream social, a tea party, a fashion show, a walk around the pond, cooking demonstrations and others, said Sharon Emanuelson, marketing and public relations director.

Emanuelson said guest speakers will also attend to share their stories on living with cancer, as well as some experts on oncology–the study of cancer.

“It’s a special week dedicated to supporting cancer patients who are going through treatment, as well as survivors, caregivers and family members,” Emanuelson said.

In conjunction with the event, Lilly USA is displaying the Lilly Oncology on Canvas exhibition all week starting Monday. It will honor the journey of cancer patients and survivors through art, Emanuelson said.

Emanuelson said cancer patients and survivors will benefit from this week by being able to share their experiences.

“This week is about those affected by cancer, and helping them to heal physically, mentally, and spiritually,” Emanuelson said.

The Cancer Center is now associated with the Loyola University oncology studies, Emanuelson said. Guest speaker, Lauren Bowling, certified genetic counselor at the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University, will be there to talk on the genetics of cancer Thursday at 12 p.m.

Also speaking is Dr. Patrick Stiff, director of Loyola’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer. He will be discussing clinical trials and their importance Wednesday at 12 p.m.

For more information on Living with Cancer, go to www.kishcancer.org.