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GILDA'S CLUB CHICAGO REACHES OUT TO CHICAGO BUSINESSES WITH CANCER IN THE WORKPLACE SEMINAR
2002-05-30 |
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CHICAGO (May 30, 2002) – Gilda’s Club Chicago, the non-profit cancer support organization, is hosting a “Cancer in the Workplace” seminar for Chicagoland employers on Tuesday, June 18. The seminar aims to provide Human Resources and Employee Assistance Professionals with an overview of the emotional, practical and legal aspects of supporting a staff member living with cancer or in the role of primary care provider. The seminar is open to all-size businesses and over 35 attendees are already signed up including representatives from Abbott Laboratories, ABN Amro N. America, Chicago Fire and Police Departments, Hyatt, Jewel/Osco and Orbitz. The seminar will share the workplace experiences of Gilda’s Club Chicago members and examine the practical issues and side effects of living with cancer. There will also be a review of the latest in leave laws and employer policies.
LauraJane Hyde, Executive Director of Gilda’s Club Chicago, said, “The majority of our members living with a cancer diagnosis are still working – whether or not their employers are aware of their diagnosis. Those members want to work and in many cases still need to from a financial perspective. Our seminar aims to help companies support these employees. Not only does it makes business sense to retain valued staff but more importantly, addressing this issue demonstrates that companies can make a positive difference in the lives of their employees by behaving in a caring and responsible manner at a time when it is most needed.”
The seminar committee includes representatives from some of Chicago’s best-known businesses including AON Corporation, Deloitte & Touche and Frankel. Chris Shoemaker, Senior Vice President, Director of Human Resources at Frankel said, “As human resource professionals, part of our job is to create a positive work environment for our employees. We are all going to be touched by cancer, either in the workplace or in our personal lives. Gilda's Club Chicago can be a resource for professionals who are working with someone living with cancer. We are pleased to support this seminar, to share our knowledge and learn more.”
Erica Pope, a Gilda’s Club Chicago member who was supported by her employer and will be talking about her experiences at the seminar said, “It makes it easier for you to recover if you don’t have to worry about your job still being there because your company is aware of the situation and is supporting you.”
There is still space available - attendance is free but reservations are required. For more information and to RSVP please contact Kathleen Hanks at Gilda’s Club Chicago at 312-464 9900. Professional hours will be offered.
The mission of Gilda’s Club Chicago is to provide a meeting place where people living with cancer, and their families and friends, join together to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care. Free of charge, Gilda’s Club offers support and networking groups, lectures, workshops, and social events in a homelike setting at 537 North Wells St.
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Gilda’s Club Chicago - Third Annual Cancer and the Workplace Seminar
Agenda
Tuesday June 18, 2002
Gilda’s Club Chicago, 537 North Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
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8am |
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8.30 |
Introduction to Gilda’s Club Chicago
Kathleen Hanks, Outreach Coordinator |
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8.45 |
Cancer in the Workplace
Members of Gilda’s Club will share their cancer stories, workplace experience and involvement with Gilda’s Club Chicago |
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9.15 |
Practical Issues and Side Effects of Living with Cancer
Bonnie Taylor, Ph.D., R.N.
A discussion of the emotional, physical and psychosocial effects of cancer as it relates to the workplace and activities of daily living. |
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10 |
Break |
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10.15 |
Navigating the Path of Leave Laws and Policy
Julie Badel, Esq., Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.
An update on the ever-changing interaction between leave laws and employer policies and how they can support both employers and employees. |
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11.15 |
Bringing it all Together
A panel discussion of EAP and HR professionals and Gilda’s Club Members. |
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12.00 |
Closing and Networking Luncheon (optional) |
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