Marla Shapiro gave powerful words of hope to an audience of over six hundred at the May 16 event, Cancer Survivorship: With, Through and Beyond, presented as part of The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre’s Public Forum series. Talking about her personal battle with cancer, Shapiro was candid about the effects of the disease on her physically and emotionally, and praised the bravery of the friends, family and medical staff who supported her. She also autographed copies of her bestselling book, Life in the Balance: My Journey With Breast Cancer.
At an intimate cocktail reception before Shapiro’s talk, guests had the chance to meet two other cancer survivors, Alexia Kontolemos, and her husband, Montreal Allouettes’ quarterback, Anthony Calvillo. The couple were recently interviewed by Gary Francoeur, of McGill’s alumnilive365.
Vice-Principal (Health Affairs) and Dean of Medicine, Richard I. Levin summed up the spirit of the evening. “As we know all too well, disease doesn’t discriminate,” he said. “The wisdom that we are gaining through this forum is truly universal.”
Proceeds of the fundraising event will go to support the work of cancer researchers at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre.
