Poudre Valley Cancer Network, the cancer program at Poudre Valley Health System, has been selected as a candidate for the LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project, which was created to bring proven cancer support programs to communities across the United States.

Finalists will be determined through an online voting campaign that begins at 9 a.m. MST May 11. Applicants with the top votes per region will receive a financial award of support to replicate and implement a sustainable program dedicated to supporting families fighting cancer.

The community can vote for Poudre Valley Cancer Network by visiting vote.livestrong.org. Voting ends on May 31, 2011, at 4 p.m. MST.

Finalists will also receive tools and resources from the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the organization established in 1997 by the cancer survivor and champion cyclist to serve people living with cancer and empower communities to take action against the world's leading cause of death. The foundation is now known publicly by its powerful brand - LIVESTRONG - and is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people around the world living with cancer today.

Poudre Valley Cancer Network is among hundreds of organizations still in contention for the award. If selected, Poudre Valley Cancer Network would receive a $10,000 grant to implement LIVESTRONG's Cancer Transitions program, which is designed to support, educate and empower people for life after cancer. The six-week series incorporates support groups, education, nutrition and physical exercise, as well as addresses other medical management, psychosocial and quality of life issues.

Cancer Transitions participants will meet for a 2-1/2 hour session each week to learn from experts, engage in group discussion and directly address the emotional and social hurdles faced during the transition period following cancer treatment. Men and women who wish to better manage the short and long-term impact of cancer - especially within the first 24 months after treatment - will gain valuable skills through the program.

Facilitators for the LIVESTRONG's "Cancer Transitions" program will come from PVHS' existing team of patient navigators and oncology social workers who have expert knowledge of the cancer care system, available support services and familiarity with the challenges often faced by people affected by cancer.

"We are thrilled and honored to be selected as a candidate for the Community Impact Project," said Shelley Nielsen, patient navigator and supervisor of the PVHS Patient Navigation program. "We share LIVESTRONG's passion for inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer and look forward to working together to make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families."

The 2011 Community Impact Project will offer more than $700,000 in implementation awards to 90 finalists. This represents the largest number of financial awards LIVESTRONG has granted in a single year in the history of the foundation. LIVESTRONG is committed to supporting community organizations in their efforts to help cancer survivors face the challenges and changes that come with cancer and has invested nearly $70 million in community-centered organizations.

About the Poudre Valley Cancer Network at PVHS
Poudre Valley Cancer Network provides quality cancer treatment and support to people with cancer in northern Colorado, southeast Wyoming and southwest Nebraska. A leading community-based cancer program, Poudre Valley Cancer Network is growing along with the communities we serve. Cancer services are offered regionally through our two hospitals and network of four medical oncology clinics, four outpatient infusion centers and radiation oncology department. Our cancer program philosophy is "Engage in life" to inspire people to live their best lives from a sense of support, empowerment and hope. For more information, visit pvhs.org.

About LIVESTRONG/Lance Armstrong Foundation
LIVESTRONG serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the world's leading cause of death. Created as the Lance Armstrong Foundation in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the organization is now known publicly by its powerful brand -- LIVESTRONG -- and is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. Known for its iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG has become a symbol of hope and inspiration to people affected by cancer around the world. Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $400 million for the fight against cancer. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.

--PVHS--

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