[imagefield_assist|fid=8412|preset=fullsize|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=298|height=358]SAINT LOUIS - October 18, 2010 - Chess for Life (CFL), 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.
More than 100 cancer patients and survivors are expected to participate in the interactive event with activities such as simul play, when one player takes on multiple opponents simultaneously, and mega chess with an oversized chess board and pieces.
CFL is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 2009. It is a philanthropic arm of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, and its mission is to promote and support the game of chess in healthcare organizations. CFL seeks to partner with these organizations to make chess available to their constitutents who, by engaging in a game of chess, can be distracted from the very serious issues they are facing while enjoying the game's recreational and mental benefits.
CFL was 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 was seeking to further expand its community involvement. 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 314-361-CHESS (2437).
