"Many people find great comfort and strength through a spiritual connection, often deepened through the struggles and challenges we face in life," says Selma Schimmel, Founder and CEO of Vital Options and a breast cancer survivor who is also the host of The Group Room. "A diagnosis of cancer brings up many existential questions and the dialogue that takes place in The Group Room is not limited to the clinical aspects of disease. We are all living through questionable times right now, and this week's program will offer any listener valuable and meaningful insight."

The broadcast will feature a rare and uniquely qualified panel to explore religion and medicine, including:

• Kenneth Kamler, M.D., a micro surgeon trained at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center who practices surgery of the hand in New York, and extreme medicine in some of the most remote regions on earth. He is the Vice President for Research and Education of The Explorers Club and has had extensive medical experience in hostile environments, including six expeditions to Mount Everest as Expedition Doctor and Climber for the National Geographic Society. He is a member of Sigma Xi - the National Scientific Research Society, and a consultant for National Geographic Magazine on high altitude physiology. His latest books include Doctor on Everest; and Surviving the Extremes.

• Harold G. Koenig, MD, MHSc., Tenured Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Medicine, Duke University, Director and Founder of the Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health at Duke University, Editor of the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, and Founder and Editor-in-chief of Research News & Opportunities in Science and Theology. His latest books include The Healing Power of Faith: Science Explores Medicine's Last Great Frontier; The Handbook of Religion and Health; and Spirituality in Patient Care.

• Peter Pressman, M.D., M.S., a member of the Internal Medicine Faculty of the University of Southern California where he serves as Associate Director of Administration in the Division of Educational Affairs, Firm Chief at L.A. County Hospital, Medical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program, and Director of Educational Programs of the Pacific Center for Health Policy & Ethics. He conceived and developed the International Journal of Eating Disorders, the standard multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal of disordered nutrition and eating behavior. His research on the impact of religious belief on recovery from hip surgery is considered a landmark investigation that helped to launch the scientific study of religion and medicine.

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. 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.