Patient Care

Strong Fertility Center Benefit to Aid Cancer Survivors

Feb. 11, 2013
Fertility Preservation Program Supports Childbearing After Recovery

Enjoy an evening of fun while supporting cancer survivors at the fourth annual Fundraising Event and Silent Auction sponsored by the Strong Fertility Center of the University of Rochester Medical Center 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, at ARTISANworks, 565 Blossom Road. The event benefits patients of Childbearing After Recovery (CARE).

CARE helps couples plan ahead when faced with a cancer diagnosis, so that steps can be taken prior to cancer treatment to help preserve fertility for pregnancy following recovery. Fertility Specialist Wendy Vitek, M. D., oversees the fertility preservation and egg-freezing program, assisting cancer patients who face treatment choices that can impact fertility.

“As treatments for cancer have become more successful, there is more emphasis on improving quality of life after cancer treatment,” said Vitek. “Unfortunately, some cancer treatments can lead to ovarian failure. We are available to consult with couples to discuss the likelihood that treatment might affect their fertility as well as potential options to improve their chances of having a family after recovery from cancer.”

The cost of fertility preservation treatment is often not covered by health insurance plans. CARE sponsors events such as this to provide funds to help make fertility preservation more accessible to couples.

The Fundraising Event and Silent Auction is open to the public. Tickets are $40 and include wine, beer, light hors d’oeuvres and dessert. For information or reservations, visit www.fertility.urmc.edu or call (585) 487-3375.