SAN ANTONIO (January 12, 2012) – Humor and balance — in this case, juggling — are the ways Scott Burton copes with life. It also helped him cope with the cancer diagnosis he was given almost 20 years ago. That diagnosis brought a new perspective to the professional comedian that he, in turn, brought to new audiences of cancer survivors and health care professionals.
“Being afraid of life is the real disease,” said Burton, who will be the speaker at the Cancer Center Council’s 19th Annual Spring Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3. The Cancer Center Council, an all-volunteer organization that supports the Cancer Therapy & Research Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, will donate proceeds from the Spring Luncheon to the Patient Assistance Fund at the CTRC.
As a cancer survivor, Burton, an award-winning comic, champion juggler and author, emphasizes going beyond the medical and statistical facts of cancer to understanding the human element of the experience.
Burton breaks convention by crafting a comedy routine of his personal battle with cancer. Having been there, he believes the gift of laughter helps cancer survivors (or those facing any trial in life) feel normal and see their lives as precious. “I felt, and still do, that each moment laughing is a moment you are – if only for a second – in love with life.”
Individual tickets to hear Burton over lunch at Pearl Stable (312 Pearl Parkway, off U.S. Highway 281 at Grayson) start at $65. Table sponsorships (10 seats per table) also are available. To reserve a seat or for more information, contact the Cancer Center Council office at (210) 450-5571. Download an online reservation form at www.cancercentercouncil.net.
The Cancer Center Council (CCC) is an all-volunteer organization comprised of almost 600 members. The mission of the CCC is to support the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio through cancer education, community outreach, fundraising, patient assistance, and volunteer services. The CTRC Patient Assistance Fund provides help to patients who are in need of lodging, food supplements and diet intervention, transportation, and social services.
The Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is one of the elite academic cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designated Cancer Center, and is one of only four in Texas. A leader in developing new drugs to treat cancer, the CTRC Institute for Drug Development (IDD) conducts one of the largest oncology Phase I clinical drug programs in the world, and participates in development of cancer drugs approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. For more information, visit www.ctrc.net.