More than 10 million Americans are living with cancer. As early detection has become more prevalent, and as treatments have become more effective, many cancer survivors are finding that they can treat their cancer as a chronic disease. On Sunday, May 6, at 8PM E/P, Discovery Channel will present a special 3-hour broadcast of "Koppel on Discovery" dedicated to the discussion of living with cancer. In a live town hall meeting at Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, MD, Ted Koppel will be joined by Elizabeth Edwards, wife of presidential candidate John Edwards; Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France champion; and Leroy Sievers, Koppel's longtime executive producer and friend - each of whom will discuss their experience with coping with a cancer diagnosis. The panel will interact with an audience comprised entirely of people living with cancer, their loved ones, and the professionals who care for them. Immediately prior to the town meeting, Discovery Channel will broadcast a series of Koppel's conversations with Sievers and Armstrong.
As colleagues for more than 15 years, Koppel and Sievers have covered news events in hotspots around the world, including the war zones of Kosovo, Somalia and Iraq. They are also neighbors and close friends. Six years ago, Sievers was diagnosed with colon cancer and was treated successfully. In December of 2005, doctors discovered that the cancer had recurred, spreading to Sievers' brain and lungs. Shortly after the diagnosis, he agreed to allow Koppel to document his battle with the disease. In "Koppel on Discovery: Living with Cancer," Koppel and Sievers discuss what it's like to face the prospect of dying, as well as the highs and lows that come with living with cancer.
Sievers recounts how cancer has affected his personal relationships, his professional life, and simple day-to-day activities. He also jokes that cancer has been his greatest career move yet -- throughout the program, Sievers reads from his popular blog on NPR.org, "My Cancer," through which he has created a unique and expanding online community.
In his discussion with Koppel, Armstrong speaks candidly and even credits cancer with contributing to the full, rich life that he leads today. Looking back on his 1996 diagnosis, Armstrong recalls the pain of watching his mother react to the heartbreaking news that her only child had a 50/50 chance of surviving cancer. He describes the grueling nature of the chemotherapy he received, and reflects on the competition that arose between him and his cancer, as well as his triumphant return to professional cycling.
Previous KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY broadcasts include THE PRICE OF SECURITY, IRAN - THE MOST DANGEROUS NATION and OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN'S WAR.
