Local cancer survivor to highlight Elgin pampering event

Local breast cancer survivor Tina Conrad will highlight Advocate Sherman Hospital's "Pampering and Prevention: A Day for Women" event in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

The educational event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 4, at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way. Sessions will be available in English and Spanish.

Conrad, a Lakewood resident, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2013, and was treated at Sherman Hospital. Her mother also defeated the disease twice.

She will share her story of perseverance, survival and sisterhood to those in attendance. Dr. Rachel Baer, medical director of The Center for Breast Care at Sherman Hospital, also will speak.

In addition to breast cancer prevention and treatment options, women will have the opportunity to be pampered with free chair massages, paraffin hand treatments, mini-manicures, bra fittings, food, and prize giveaways.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Each year it is estimated that more than 220,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed, and more than 40,000 will die.

During the month of October, Advocate Health Care encourages women to schedule their mammograms. Advocate Health Care offers no referral, same-day appointments, with next-day results in most cases.

To register for the event, call (800) 3 Advocate or visit advocatehealth.com/shermanclasses. To schedule a mammogram, call or visit advocatehealth.com.