"Outsmarting Brain Tumors"

Cedars-Sinai Researchers, Neurosurgeons and Other Experts Present Free Conference for Adult Brain Tumor Patients and Caregivers

Los Angeles – June 1, 2009 – Neurosurgeons, brain tumor researchers and other professionals affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Neurosurgery will present a one-day conference, “Outsmarting Brain Tumors,” on Saturday, June 13, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The free conference is designed for brain tumor patients, families and caregivers, and will be held in the Medical Center’s Harvey Morse Auditorium, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. Special highlights of this year’s program include inspiring presentations by two brain tumor patients who will share personal perspectives on patient survival and resuming life after a brain tumor. In addition, the former Miss Black America of Los Angeles, Lydia Mouton, will open the conference by performing two musical numbers with her son, Jonathan Mouton. Ms. Mouton is also a brain tumor patient. Keith L. Black, M.D., chairman of the medical center’s Department of Neurosurgery, will lead a highly respected faculty of brain tumor experts who will discuss the latest research related to adult brain tumors, new discoveries that have been translated into treatments, and surgical and non-surgical treatment options, including Gamma Knife therapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Many presentations will address specific symptoms, research and treatment options related to low- and high-grade gliomas, metastatic tumors, acoustic neuromas and other lateral skull base tumors. Other sessions include information on visualization techniques and a Healing Through Creativity workshop presented by a brain tumor survivor. In addition to Black, moderators for individual breakout sessions include Ray Chu, M.D.; Amin Mirhadi, M.D.; and Veronica Porche, Psy.D. Additional faculty include neurosurgeons and brain tumor researchers, neuro-oncologists, an acupuncturist, a neuro-ophthalmologist, and a neurologist. Two special presentations will be led by brain tumor patients who will share their personal experiences and perspectives. Eddie Cleland, a professional drummer in the band “Loose Chains,” will discuss the various aspects of resuming life after a brain tumor, and Pastor Scott Erdman will speak on patient survival. The conference is supported and endorsed by the American Brain Tumor Association, the National Brain Tumor Foundation, the Florida Brain Tumor Association, and The Wellness Community.