The editors of OncoLink, the award winning cancer information resource on the World Wide Web from the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania (www.oncolink.org), have decided to give the "Editor's Choice" website award to Vital Options after a careful review of the website. As Dr. James Metz, editor-in-chief of OncoLink, and Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, points out, "the selection of this website was based on the particular emphasis we at OncoLink place on patients and families who empower themselves with reliable information about their disease. On a regular basis, the Editors at OncoLink will choose a website which is exemplary of this philosophy, and serves as a model for others."

Vital Options, a southern California-based not-for-profit cancer communications, support and advocacy organization that has just celebrated its 20th anniversary, has the mission to facilitate a global cancer dialogue by using communications technology to reach every person touched by cancer. Besides its website, Vital Options is also well known for The Group Room®, the nationally syndicated radio call-in cancer talk show that reaches more than 500,000 listeners throughout the United States every Sunday and countless others who tune in via the Internet simulcast.

"It is a privilege to be a recipient of this award and for Vital Options to be recognized for its efforts in the area of cancer communications. We are committed to our mission of reaching out to all people affected by cancer and are proud to be distinguished as a reliable source of support and information," says Selma Schimmel, Founder and CEO of Vital Options and a breast cancer survivor who is also the host of The Group Room. "Our website allows people easy access to the myriad of services and programs provided by Vital Options International and offers a way for people to let us know their needs and share their thoughts on all aspects of cancer."

In support of young adults with cancer and on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Vital Options has recently launched the first National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week™. In association with OncoLink, Vital Options has produced a special 2-hour live radio broadcast and Internet video simulcast of The Group Room, which is now archived in audio format at www.vitaloptions.org and in video format at www.oncolink.com.

In April 2003, Vital Options International and its founder, Selma Schimmel, are celebrating 20 years of cancer support and survivorship. Vital Options was founded in 1983, the year Schimmel was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28. The first organization in the United States to focus specifically on the unique clinical and psychosocial needs of young adults with all types of cancer between the ages of 17 through the mid-40's, Vital Options helped to lay a foundation for the young adult cancer advocacy movement that has since followed. And while today the organization is no longer limited to young adults, Vital Options remains committed to this very special patient population and has launched the new website www.youngadultswithcancer.org.

All websites for Vital Options have been designed by northern California-based DE NOVO Medical Venture Marketing.

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, also a breast cancer survivor - 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. Callers join discussions by dialing 1-800-GRP-ROOM (1-800-477-7666). All phone calls are screened by a licensed oncology social worker. All shows are archived on the Internet at www.vitaloptions.org. During the week, individuals can reach Vital Options for support or to receive more information about cancer resources or stations carrying the broadcast.

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.

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. 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.