The UC Davis Cancer Center and Kaiser Permanente are co-sponsoring "Cancer as a Turning Point: From Thriving to Surviving," a free conference for cancer survivors and their friends. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8-9 in Freeborn Hall on the UC Davis campus.

The participatory conference features inspirational speakers, healing stories, performances and presentations designed to empower people whose lives have been affected by cancer or other life-threatening diseases.

The annual event is produced by Healing Journeys, a non-profit organization committed to providing healing resources for people affected by cancer. It was founded in 1989 by breast cancer survivor Jan Adrian, who wanted to address the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of healing.

Speakers will include Ernie Bodai, director of Kaiser Permanente's Breast Health Center and founder of the breast cancer research stamp; Rachel Naomi Remen, author of "Kitchen Table Wisdom and my Grandfather's Blessings" and medical director of the Commonweal Cancer Help program in Bolinas; folk singer Holly Near and the Sacramento Taiko Dan, a Japanese drumming troupe.

Although the conference is free, pre-registration is necessary due to space limitations. To register or for more information, call Healing Journeys at (800) 423-9882 or visit their Web site, www.healingjourneys.org

Continuing education units are available to health-care professionals.