Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health hospital, will hold its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium on Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bridgewater Manor.
Elissa Kalver, a Stage IV metastatic breast cancer “thriver,” author and founder of WeGotThis.org, is the keynote speaker for the program, “Live Your Best Life... Embracing Joy, Purpose and Possibility.” Deborah Lue, MD, a breast surgeon with RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group who is medical director of the breast cancer program at RWJUH Somerset’s Steeplechase Cancer Center, will also discuss risk factors for breast cancer, prevention, the importance of screening mammograms and breast cancer treatment options. RWJUH Somerset together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides patients access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials.
Kalver, a Massachusetts native who now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter, was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer in 2021. Her goal is to motivate others living with cancer to live their fullest lives.
Kalver shares her inspirational story in her new book,“We Got This. How I Learned to Thrive With Terminal Cancer.” Her TV and media appearances include “Good Morning America,” “Today Show,” “ET” and “Good Day LA” and she has also been featured in People, US and OK! Magazine. Kalver launched WeGotThis.Org, the first ever non-profit gift register for cancer thrivers and caregivers.
Dr. Lue is a board-certified breast cancer surgeon with more than 25 years of experience. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated with her medical degree from Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She completed her residency and received her breast training at RWJUH in New Brunswick. Dr. Lue is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and certified by the American Board of Surgery.
The cost to attend the Oct. 28 program is $25 and includes dinner and a copy of Kalver’s book. A book signing will follow the program.
Pre-registration is required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/4n93tu1
About Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Located in Somerville, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is a nationally accredited, 343-bed regional hospital providing comprehensive emergency, medical/surgical, behavioral health and rehabilitative services to central New Jersey residents. As a designated teaching hospital of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the hospital maintains a family medicine residency program with 21 residents.
RWJUH Somerset has earned significant national recognition for clinical quality and patient safety including the prestigious Magnet® Award for Nursing Excellence.
The Steeplechase Cancer Center at RWJUH Somerset is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. RWJBarnabas Health and RWJUH Somerset in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center - bring a world class team of researchers and specialists to fight alongside you, providing close-to-home access to the latest treatment and clinical trials.
For more information, visit www.rwjbh.org/somerset.