Scott Hamilton Launches Chemocare.com Web Site Will Educate Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients About Chemotherapy andIts Side Effects (NAPSA)—Powerand grace are words that could often be used to describe a championship figure skater. And for one champion, they aptly describe a battle for more than medals and recognition. For Scott Hamilton, these words describe the spirit with which he faced the battle for his life—against testicular cancer. Scott’s will to live and the poise with which he fought cancer would be exemplary on their own, but as with his skating, Scott gave more. His commitment to “giving back to the cancer community” has led him to establish www.Chemocare.com, a new Web resource to help newly diagnosed cancer patients deal with the emotional and physical challenges associated with chemotherapy treatment andits side effects. In bringing Chemocare.com to patients, Hamilton is intent on sharing the lessons he learned during his cancer treatment, such as dealing with fatigue—a frequent side effect of chemotherapy treatment. “There are a host of side effects that result from chemotherapy...everything from fatigue to hair loss to nausea. During chemo, I experienced fatigue, but I never brought it up with my doctor,” Hamilton said. “I want to help new cancer patients recognize commonside effects, which can often mask a more serious problem. For example, fatigue is a symptom of anemia, which can be managed through treatment.” Chemocare.com was launched by the Scott Hamilton Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship (CARES) Initiative at The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, where Hamilton was treated. The Taussig Cancer Center provides the site’s medical content. The site is sponsored by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., marketer of the anemia drug Procrit (Epoetin alfa). Now cancer-free for five years, Hamilton wants to raise awareness of common chemotherapy side effects and to inform and empower his fellow cancer patients to speak to their doctor Scott Hamilton’s commitment to “giving back to the cancer community”has led him to establish www.Chemocare.com. about these issues. “Tt was our vision that Chemo eare.com would address real patient needs and be a resource that newly diagnosed cancer patients could turn to for support,” said Ruth Fritskey, MSN, RN, the lead developer of Chemo care.com with Hamilton and Program Director of the Patient and Public Cancer Education Program at The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center. “We worked with cancer survivors in designing the site—finding out what was important and valuable to them in terms of information—so we could make Chemocare.com a comprehensive resource. We hope it will inspire patients to talk to their doctor about the experience of chemotherapy and how to manage possible side effects.” As a compliment to the information available on the Web site, Ortho Biotech is making a free brochure on managing chemotherapy side effects available by call- ing 1-866-748-CARE. About Chemocare.com Chemocare.com is a Web resource designed to serve as a source of information and empowerment for newly diagnosed cancer patients. The site will offer easy-to-understand information about chemotherapy andits treatment, provide Scott’s personal story as an inspiration for others, and encourage patients to talk to their doctors about treatment side effects, such as anemia. Informative sections address “What Is Chemotherapy,” “Chemotherapy Drugs,” “Managing Side Effects,” “Eating Well During Chemotherapy,” and “Living Well During Chemotherapy.” In addition, visitors to the Web site can explore “Survivors Experiences,” “Complementary Therapy,” “News,” a variety of patient message boards, additional resources for information and frequently asked questions. About Anemia Anemia due to chemotherapy is one of the most significant and under-treated side effects, yet it can be easily diagnosed with a blood test and is often effectively treated with Procrir. PRocRIT therapy is for chemotherapyrelated anemia in patients with most types of cancer. Symptoms of anemia include tiredness and exhaustion. Compared to other symptoms, these have a great physical and emotional impact on the lives of cancer patients and are seen as two of the barriers to regaining strength. Aboutthe Scott Hamilton CARESInitiative Through the Scott Hamilton CARESInitiative, Scott Hamilton has turned his experience with cancer into an opportunity to help others. With support from the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, where he was treated, Seott has raised more than $2.5 million for research and patients programsat the Clinic. The Initiative’s mission underscores Scott’s personal commitment to cancer research and education as well as to develop effective strategies to improve the quality of life for individuals with cancer. The Initiative seeks to inform, empower and inspire cancer patients and their loved ones by providing the best information available, to help them through their illness and to beat cancer’s odds. Aboutthe Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center treats cancer in any age group or area of the body with a comprehensive approach by a team of experts. The facility offers a complete range of options for cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in one location. The efforts of more than 250 physicians are supported by collaboration with world-class scientists, nurses, and technicians using state-of-the-art diagnostic surgical techniques and technology. In addition, as a world-class research facility, the Center is involved in a wide variety of clinical trials providing patients with access to trials ranging from innovative treatmentto palliative care. About Procrir Procrit is for chemotherapyrelated anemia in patients with most types of cancer. Procrit is proven and safe. Procrit is available by prescription only and is injected by your doctor or nurse. In studies, diarrhea, edema, fever, vomiting, shortness of breath, tingling, and upper respiratory infection occurred more often with Procrit than placebo. Although high blood pressure has been noted rarely in cancer patients treated with Procrir, blood pressure should be monitored carefully, particularly in patients with a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. For complete product information, please visit www.Procrir.com.