Contact: Sarah Allison, Fifth Anniversary Celebration Director of Press Relations, media@friendsforlife.com

Dr. Patch Adams to speak as part of Fifth Anniversary Celebration

GAINESVILLE, April 12, 2002 — Friends for Life of America is pleased to announce that Dr. Patch Adams will be speaking at the University of Florida on Thursday, April 18th at 8:00 PM at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The lecture is free and open to the public. Dr. Patch Adams will also visit patients at Shands Hospital during his stay in Gainesville.

Dr. Patch Adams was born May 28, 1945, in Washington D.C. He obtained his M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia. Most noted for his attitude that "healing should be a loving human interchange, not a business transaction," Dr. Adams founded the Gesundheit! Institute, a holistic medical institute that has been providing free medical care for patients since 1971. During his life, Dr. Adams has received numerous distinctions from organizations including the American Association for Therapeutic Humor and Heroes in Health Care.

In celebration of its fifth anniversary, Friends for Life of America is proud to help bring Dr. Patch Adams to the university. "Over the past five years, we have received overwhelming support from students all across the country who recognize the importance of our mission," said National Chairman Steven D. Cohen. Friends for Life of America continues to impact the lives of children throughout the world by organizing programs such as Hearts for the Holidays, Mile for A Child 5K, and Global Outreach.


About Friends for Life of America
Friends for Life of America is a national student organization that provides educational, emotional, and financial support for pediatric patients living with cancer.