FROM PATIENTS TO VOLUNTEERS

Urologic oncologist Alexander Kutikov, MD, diagnosed me with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. He immediately consulted with Elizabeth Plimack, MD, a medical oncologist. Together, they suggested that the best course of treatment would be chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and prevent it from spreading beyond my bladder, and then to have my bladder removed. 

Everything went well, and I remained cancer-free until 2019, when I had a nodule removed from my left lung endoscopically by Stacy Su, MD, a surgical oncologist. That same year, I also had Mohs surgery on my face for the removal of basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. While I had a second skin cancer surgery in 2024, I’ve been healthy otherwise.

In 2018, I joined the Patient to Patient Network at Fox Chase, a program that matches a current patient with a fellow cancer survivor to talk about shared experiences and concerns during cancer treatment. I have mentored nearly a dozen patients through this program. I also began participating in Paws for the Cause, the annual dog walk fundraiser that supports cancer research at Fox Chase. I was honored to serve as Patient Ambassador for this event in 2021.

In 2019, I joined the Fox Chase Patient and Family Advisory Council, PFAC, which aims to strengthen collaboration between patients, family members, and staff to enhance Fox Chase’s standard of care. I have served as co-chair of PFAC since 2022, and in 2024, I was elected to serve an additional two-year term. I am also a member of Fox Chase’s Board of Associates and serve as its treasurer. The BOA engages directly in raising funds to support cancer research, prevention, and treatment programs at Fox Chase. I have also lent my voice to panel discussions with Dr. Kutikov and Dr. Plimack on collaborative care in bladder cancer.

Being involved in giving back helps my mental health as a cancer patient. Every time I go for appointments or scans, the fear of my cancer returning is still there. But now, thanks to my empowering volunteer activities, I have a bond with Fox Chase that doesn’t involve fear.

The year I turned 54, at my biannual checkup, Dr. Uzzo and his team found a tumor in my right lung. This time I had a lobectomy performed by a thoracic surgeon at Fox Chase. My experiences at Fox Chase throughout these traumatic events were so positive that it ended up making me want to give back.

I discovered Fox Chase’s Patient-to-Patient Network, which connects volunteer patients at Fox Chase, current and former, with new patients who are going through similar diagnoses. I signed up for training, and the next thing I knew, I was talking to new patients about their lung and kidney cancer diagnoses. I’ve spent the last five years volunteering for the Patient-to-Patient Network. I’m pleased to offer new patients support, but it’s also helped me heal on my own cancer journey.

Fifteen months after having part of my right lung removed, a new nodule appeared in my left lung, and I was referred to Hossein Borghaei, DO, a medical oncologist. The nodule was cancerous, and I was categorized as having stage IV lung cancer. Over the next several years, I worked with a team of doctors to find effective treatments, mitigate side effects, and stay ahead of the cancer as I continued to live my life. Participating in the Patient-to-Patient Network has helped me take the focus off my own struggles by helping others.

During my stage IV diagnosis, I wanted to get even more involved. This time, I contacted the Volunteer Services Team, and they were looking for a greeter. I now spend every Wednesday morning greeting patients and escorting them to their appointments and procedures. They’re grateful for the support, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to express my gratitude to Fox Chase.