Cancer Survivor Dr. Tom Sproat Highlights Gateway Cancer Awareness Month

Dr. Tom Sproat, executive director of BIOSE in Northern Kentucky, and Gateway Community & Technical College student Rita Rednour will tell their stories of surviving cancer at a public forum April 16 at the colleges Edgewood Campus.

The event is part of Cancer Awareness Month sponsored by Gateway's Beta Pi Tau chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) national academic honorary.

As a cancer survivor, I know how vital it is to know the signs and symptoms of cancer and to get an early diagnosis, says Rita Rednour, Gateway student and chapter vice president. Part of PTKs mission is to serve others. I can think of no better way to serve than to provide information that can help save lives.

Sproat is an adjunct professor of biology at Gateway. He was diagnosed with melanoma in 1991 and underwent surgery to treat the cancer. Afterward, he completed his education, including a doctoral degree. He has been cancer-free for more than 15 years, has founded two non-profit organizations, and has taught thousands of people about the risks and symptoms of skin cancer. Rather than being a once in a lifetime experience, Sproat says cancer became a life-shaping experience.

The forum, which is free and open to the public, begins at 6 p.m. April 16 and will take place in the auditorium at the Student Services Center at the Edgewood Campus, 790 Thomas More Parkway. Rita Rednour, chapter vice president for scholarship, will also speak.

PTK has planned a variety of events to promote cancer awareness through May 15. Different forms of cancer will be highlighted each week, including (in sequence) breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer and finally all types of cancer.

PTK will conclude the awareness drive by participating in the Relay for Life May 15 and 16. For more information, contact Amy Monson, PTK chapter adviser, (859) 442-1149, or amy.monson@kctcs.edu.