The Group Room-which has been on the air since debuting on New York's WOR radio in 1996-reaches more than half-a-million radio listeners each Sunday throughout the United States as well as others worldwide who hear the show simulcast live over the Internet at www.vitaloptions.org. Callers join discussions by dialing 1-800-GRP-ROOM (1-800-477-7666).

Hosted by Selma R. Schimmel, Founder and CEO of Vital Options® International TeleSupport® Cancer Network, The Group Room is produced by Vital Options in association with Premiere Radio Networks, the nation's largest radio network. The show features Schimmel and The Group Room's regular on-air medial experts-medical oncologist Dr. Michael Van Scoy-Mosher, radiation oncologist Dr. Leslie Botnick and therapist Halina Irving, MFCC-who are joined each week by callers affected by cancer as well as renowned cancer experts and advocates who provide updates on research, medical advances and advocacy efforts. All phone calls are screened by a licensed oncology social worker.

The Group Room regularly produces remote location broadcasts from the world's leading oncology meetings, such as the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and its European equivalents, ESMO/ECCO, and from preeminent cancer centers in the United States and Europe.

"The Group Room is an important and valuable addition to our programming," said Craig Stevens, WAEB program director. "Cancer affects everyone, everywhere and we are glad to offer this show as a resource for information and support to our listeners."

"With the opportunity to be heard in Allentown, patients and survivors, their family members and friends, as well as oncology professionals now have a voice in The Group Room," said Schimmel. "As we recently expanded to Philadelphia (WNWR-AM 1540, 4-5 pm ET, Sundays), we are now able to reach even more listeners in southeastern Pennsylvania."

Founded in 1983 when Schimmel was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28, Vital Options® was the first organization to address issues related to young adults with cancer before expanding to patients of all ages and issues related to everyone touched by cancer. In 2001, Vital Options was officially renamed Vital Options International to reflect its international expansion. During the week, individuals can reach Vital Options for support or to receive more information about cancer resources or stations carrying the broadcast.

In an effort to facilitate a global cancer dialogue, Vital Options is considered "everyone's best partner," and works collaboratively with other cancer organizations and groups in various cancer communication initiatives. In addition to The Group Room, other Vital Options' projects include CancerTalk™, an in-flight audio program on American and Northwestern airlines produced in association with Sky Radio; The Cancer NewsMinute™, a cancer news radio feature; and The Professor and The Survivor™, an international clinical trials awareness project.

Vital Options International is a not-for-profit cancer communications, support and advocacy organization headquartered in southern California. Vital Options and The Group Room are supported through educational grants from founding sponsor Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and corporate sponsors Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. and Pharmacia Oncology.

Ortho Biotech is the lead sponsor of Vital Options International's growth in Europe; Pharmacia Oncology is an associate sponsor.