Contact:
Mary Williams
314-286-0333
[email protected]
ST. LOUIS - “Chess for Life,” a chess-playing program offered to patients by the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, will celebrate its one-year anniversary with a special patient event, Wed. Oct. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m at the Center for Advanced Medicine.
Over 100 cancer patients and survivors are expected to participate in the interactive event with activates such as simul play and chess on an oversized board.
The program was introduced in 2009 to brighten the lives of patients and caregivers during treatments. It was developed in conjunction with the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis and inspired by Jim Corbett, a Siteman patient.
Corbett was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer in September 2007 and began playing chess for comfort. When Corbett died on Dec. 15, 2008, Suzanne Corbett, his wife, contacted the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis after learning that the chess club wanted to get involved in the community. “Chess for Life” was later created in partnership with Siteman.
"This could make such a difference to so many people, because I know what a difference it made for Jim," says Corbett.
Last year the chess club donated three chess tables for the waiting room as well as six portable boards with magnetic pieces.
For more information, call Siteman volunteer services at 314-749-9596.