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BY BRYNN BOYER

With every turn, the pieces of colored glass reflect on the glass in the tube, making perfectly symmetrical patterns. The patterns are constantly changing, yet familiar. It's easy to forget that the beautiful shapes are made by pieces of broken glass.

Instead of being simply a child's toy, a kaleidoscope can be symbolic, redemptive and hopeful.

This Thanksgiving, the kaleidoscope takes on a new meaning. "Kaleidoscope" is the name of the holiday variety special in which Olympic figure skaters and Grammy award-winning musical artists perform together to recognize women's battle against cancer.

"Kaleidoscope" will come to the Verizon Center on Nov. 16, and will air on Fox on Thanksgiving Day.

Like a kaleidoscope, the show will present shifting images of cancer patients, caregivers and advocates. The idea is that the broken glass of their collective experiences will come together in an inspirational and unique show.

During "Kaleidoscope," famed Olympic skaters Scott Hamilton, Dorothy Hamill, Kristi Yamaguchi and Nancy Kerrigan will skate as cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John, music producer David Foster and "American Idol" music artists David Archuleta and Katharine McPhee perform.

In addition to the joint musical and skating performances, "Kaleidoscope" will feature cancer survivors, doctors and representatives from national advocacy groups who will share varying perspectives on the effects of cancer.

For 1976 Olympic gold medalist and world champion Hamill, "Kaleidoscope" has a special significance: The show marks the first time Hamill has publicly taken the ice since completing her own cancer treatment more than a year ago.

"I'm sharing one of the bumps in the road so many people share," she said.

Hamill was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2007, while she was booked on a national skating tour. Despite her initial diagnosis, Hamill kept skating.

In fact, she had her surgery in December of that year, just two days before skating in a Barry Manilow Christmas special with Brian Boitano.

"I was trying to keep it quiet from the world," she said.

After additional surgery, two months of radiation treatment and medication in the summer of 2008, Hamill counts herself as a cancer survivor.

"Life has been a roller coaster ride," she said.

She credits her doctors and the support system of her family with helping her beat the disease.

Now cancer-free, Hamill said "Kaleidoscope" came about at the perfect time for her.

"It's a great reason and motivation to get my body moving again," she said. "It's nice to be back on the ice again."

The show is also a way for Hamill, as a cancer survivor, to thank the supportive friends and family of those like her "with the only thing I know--skating."

Scott Hamilton, fellow Olympic gold medalist and world champion skater, will also be skating in "Kaleidoscope" as a cancer survivor.

Hamilton battled testicular cancer in 1997 and a benign brain tumor in 2004.

David Foster, the award-winning music producer for artists like Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Andrea Bocelli, has written a song specifically for one of Hamill's solos in "Kaleidoscope."

The song, to be sung by the legendary Olivia Newton-John, has lyrics by cancer survivors and caregivers.

"The music is beautiful, so inspiring," Hamill said.

Hamill said the opportunity to collaborate with Foster and Newton-John has been wonderful.

"To me, music is 99.9 percent of what I get to do skating," she said. "It's all about the music."

Hamill said she and Newton-John, a fellow breast cancer survivor, share a common bond just as she does with her fellow Olympians.

"On a lot of levels, we connect," Hamill said.

"As far as the skaters, our world is very small. There are some I haven't seen in a couple of years."

"Kaleidoscope," presented by pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis, will reach the Thanksgiving Day audience as well as those who see the show live.

"I hope people will come and see the live event because it will be extra special," Hamill said. "And, skating is really magical to see in person."

Brynn Boyer: 540/374-5000, ext. 5779
Email: bboyer@freelancestar.com