University of Virginia Health System

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CANCER CENTER HOLDS PATIENT REUNION

Haywood was a night club singer in Las Vegas when he was diagnosed with throat cancer in May 1995. Doctors told him he would loose the ability to sing and even to speak, but he found help when he was referred for surgery to Dr. Paul Levine, chairman of U.Va.'s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Levine was able to preserve Haywood's vocal cords.

Haywood now speaks frequently about his experience to groups of medical professionals and cancer patients. He has made his home in Charlottesville and is a regular volunteer in the Otolaryngology clinic. I am thrilled to be able to give back to the physicians, nurses and other staff who did so much for me. Even though I speak all over the country about my experience, this speech will be special because I'm at U.Va., Haywood said.

The Cancer Center reunion will bring together current and former cancer patients, their families and U.Va. physicians and staff. The gathering will begin at noon with a non-denominational worship service followed by a potluck lunch at which Haywood and other patients will share their stories. The event will feature music by Academical Village, the University of Virginia acappella group. New this year is a pampering room that will offer massage, hand therapy and other indulgences.

The reunion will be held in the Medical Center West cafeteria. For more information on the U.Va. Cancer Center's Celebration of Life, please call (804) 924-2477.

November 2, 1999