The Annie Appleseed 2nd Annual Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medecine Conference was unique - in addition to a wealth of information and a multitude of networking opportunities, the relaxing Floridian environment proved both stimulating and challenging. Since Ann Fonfa is a cancer survivor herself, she insisted that the seminar be conducted with a welcome transparency in which each lecturer disclosed their commercial affiliations prior to their presentations. Even the food was healthy and mostly vegan - a definite departure from many cancer-oriented seminars. Each morning began with a yoga class along with a full array of lectures, interactive panels and a myriad of exhibits. Each lecture offered critical evidence-based data, but because of an airline snafu I missed several key presentations; nevertheless, two lectures on nutrition - the first counteracting environmental toxins, the second Susan Silberstein's "Breast Cancer - The Diet Connection" not only reinforced previous knowledge but also offered specific guidance and introduced powerful insights into how crucial diet can be in cancer prevention and intervention. Next Ralph Moss gave a fascinating lecture on Cam Cancer treatments throughout the world from the United States to medical tourism and Cam therapies in Mexico, Germany and China. Dr. Moss outlined specific treatments offered at some of these facilities involving everything from hypothermia, to misletoe extracts to Traditional Chinese Medicine to name a few. Then, Alicia Sirkin, an expert in Bach Flowers described how the remedies are prepared, tested and specifically target various health problems. The final speakers on Saturday: Charlotte Louise and Carol Zaryicki presented cogent and convincing reasons why many patients and survivors embrace complementary and alternative medicine. Ms. Louise, an actress, was horrified to learn with conventional treatment she would "lose all her hair" and stated "vanity caused me to seek other treatments" she gravitated to holistic doctors and nurses, began examining her unresolved anger, initiated a detoxing regimen and underwent William Kelly's metabolic typing program, body brushing, tai chi and TMC - today decades later she is cancer-free without having had to undergo chemotherapy or radiation. She was both inspiring and persuasive and also credits visualization, singing, dancing, and writing as critical components in her recovery. Carol Zaryicki, a 14 year cancer survivor, and a holistic energy practitioner, left a high powered Wall Street career to pursue a more spiritual path after her cancer diagnosis - and has never looked back. Ms. Zaryicki touched upon herbal tinctures, vitamins, the Gerson Program, breath work, guided imagery, massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy, sleep and medical astrology and how they tranformed her life. The conference was both valuable and edifying. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring alternative ways to handle this life-threatening disease whether or not they also pursue conventional treatments. ES Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.