Experience Magazine - 2022 - V1

Whole-Person Care — Body, Mind and Spirit | 2022, Volume 1

Medicine Marriage 4 6 12

Committed to care for their patients and each other.

FROM CAREGIVER TO CARE RECEIVER A Family’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s AGE-FRIENDLY CARE Brings Absolute Peace of Mind CARING IS OUR CALLING Why Amanda Bentley Chose AdventHealth

Stay Well Ahead With Safe, High-quality Care When it comes to health care, we want to know we can trust our doctors and care teams to keep us safe.

And we want to make sure we’re getting the highest quality care possible.

At AdventHealth Hendersonville, safety and quality shape all we do as we connect with patients to provide whole-person care.

“We know that this community has choices about where to receive their health care. At AdventHealth, we preoccupy ourselves every day with getting safety right as a way of honoring our patients,” explains Gretchen Nicholson, MBA, MT, CPHRM, CPHQ, Director, AdventHealth Hendersonville Office of Collaborative Improvement.

That commitment drew national recognition when AdventHealth Hendersonville became the only hospital in Western North Carolina to earn The Leapfrog Group Top Hospital Award for 2021.

The Top Hospital Award is based on results of the 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Survey. While achieving safety standards worthy of this recognition is impressive in any year, the AdventHealth Hendersonville team achieved this honor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicholson shares, “Our teams faced some of the biggest challenges of their entire careers in this time, and despite those challenges, they have pushed through with incredible persistence and resilience, keeping safety at the forefront.”

When you put your trust in AdventHealth for your health and wellness care, protecting you and providing a safe environment for your care is what you can expect as we fulfill our promise to help you feel whole.

2 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com

Moving Health Care Forward

Help us welcome our newest providers bringing whole-person care to our hospital and clinical offices located at more than 40 locations across Western North Carolina.

To learn more about our new providers and schedule an appointment, scan QR Code or call 828-882-2230.

So you can feel whole your whole life.

AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Biltmore Park* One Town Square Boulevard, Suite 220, Asheville

Julia Boyer, MSN, FNP, RN, PCCN

Leah Hill, RN, MSN, FNP-C

AdventHealth Medical Group Integrative Medicine at Medical Office Building* 50 Hospital Drive, Suite 1D Hendersonville, NC 28792

Corey Anderson, PA-C

AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Candler* 1388 Sand Hill Road, Suite 1, Candler

AdventHealth Behavioral Health Medical Office Building* 50 Hospital Drive, Suite 3C, Hendersonville

Amanda Bentley, PMHNP

Dena Snead, DO

Internal Medicine

Matthew Snead, DO Internal Medicine

AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology at Medical Office Building*

50 Hospital Drive, Suite 3B-2, Hendersonville

Holly Berry-Price, FNP-BC

The Baby Place at AdventHealth Hendersonville

AdventHealth Hematology Oncology Infusion Services Asheville* 20 Medical Park Drive, Suite B, Asheville, NC 28803

Nicole Crane, MSN, NP-C

AdventHealth Medical Group Rheumatology at Hendersonville* 80 Doctors Drive, Suite 4, Hendersonville

100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville

Stephanie Bowman, NNP

*A hospital department of AdventHealth Hendersonville

Onajite Onaodowan, MD

EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com | 3

Kevin Morgan spends time with his mother, Molly.

“ I just felt like we needed a different level of care,” Kevin says, “ I felt like Dr. Benson could help all of us.”

Moving from

Molly caring for Kevin’s brother.

Caregiver to Care Receiver: AdventHealth provides hope as a family journeys through Alzheimer’s with their mother

By Emily Lynes, AdventHealth Hendersonville Contributing Writer

Kevin Morgan’s mother, Molly Morgan, has been a caretaker her whole life.

She provided care for a son with Cerebral Palsy, then to Kevin’s grandfather who had a stroke, and finally to her husband who suffered from dementia. When Kevin’s dad passed away 6 years ago the family thought Molly would finally be able to do something she wanted to do. But they slowly realized that was not going to be the case.

“No one realized that Mom had significant memory issues until Dad passed away.”

Kevin remembers, “Then the light went on; mom had nothing to regulate her day.

We realized she had significant memory challenges.”

4 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com

After Molly’s primary care physician ran some tests, it became clear Molly was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that affects a person’s ability to function independently.

Molly experienced a slow progression of the disease over the course of three years. But it eventually got to the point that Kevin and his family felt like they needed specialized care, not just for her, but for the whole family. “Alzheimer’s, there’s not a cure for that,” Kevin says, “You just try to mitigate it and slow it down if you can. You just try to deal with the reality of it. Not only did she need someone that specialized in that, but my siblings and me, as caregivers, needed that as well.”

Kevin and his family decided to send Molly to AdventHealth Hendersonville to see Marianna “Tina” Benson, DO who specializes in Geriatric Medicine through its Age-Friendly Initiative. “I just felt like we needed a different level of care,” Kevin says, “I felt like Dr. Benson could help all of us.”

AdventHealth Hendersonville is among the first health systems in the country – and the first in North Carolina to receive the Age-Friendly Health System – Committed to Care Excellence designation

Dr. Benson is part of a team of providers at AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Laurel Park who offer specialized services for older adults and their caregivers.

These services include physical therapy, nutrition, dementia support groups and pet therapy.

“The field of geriatrics has taught me to listen to my patients and be humbled by their trust,” Dr. Benson says, “I am also rewarded by helping families understand and plan for loved ones with dementia.”

Dr. Benson offers caregivers, like Kevin and his family, resources and tips on how to manage their loved one’s daily care. “It’s empowering,” Kevin explains, “I’m a very positive and happy person, but those unknown things – what is next month going to bring, or what is next year going to bring – to have someone to talk about that with – to me that’s empowering because it takes some of the fear away. It makes me feel safe. It makes me feel like my mom is safe.”

Molly is going to be 90 years old in April, and the thing that matters most to her is to be able to stay in her home as long as she can.

With Dr. Benson’s help and using the Age-Friendly Care Initiatives from AdventHealth Hendersonville, Kevin is more prepared to meet the needs of caring for his mother.

“Health is not just about getting rid of all illnesses, or sicknesses, or conditions,” Kevin says, “Health is about the journey. And I think AdventHealth is invested in that journey with their patients.”

for all of its AdventHealth Medical Group locations across Western North Carolina.

To learn more Scan the QR code or call 828-882-2502.

EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com | 5

Maria and Russell Sandbak at AdventHealth Laurel Park.

Age-Friendly Care Brings Absolute Peace of Mind

By Emily Lynes, AdventHealth Hendersonville Contributing Writer

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Maria and Russell Sandbak who live in Lake Lure, they tried desperately to get in touch with their primary care physician. Russell has cardiac problems and diabetes, and they needed an appointment. After many failed attempts at calling the office, they decided to drive to the office and try to make an appointment. When they arrived they discovered the office door was locked with a sign asking patients to call. Feeling frustrated and unsatisfied, they started their drive back home. That’s when they passed AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Laurel Park and decided to stop and see if they could make an appointment. To their surprise and delight, they were able to immediately make an appointment with Marianna “Tina” Benson, DO who specializes in geriatric care.

“And so we got in to see Dr. Benson, and she was so incredible,” Maria remembers, “By 72, I’ve seen many, many doctors. But this was amazing to me. She’s very calm and collected. She listens to you. And she’s always paying really close attention to what you’re saying or experiencing.”

6 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com

What Maria was experiencing was frustration and concern for her husband Russell.

He had been struggling with memory problems for a while, and because of that Maria had to take on new roles of managing finances and routines. Dr. Benson suggested that Russell also make an appointment to figure out what was going on with his memory.

“When Russell saw me in October 2020,” Dr. Benson says, “I could tell that he was having difficulties with his memory, but it was very mild, and he presented himself well.” She was able to conduct some tests and found that he probably had early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

She was able to help Maria and Russell find resources and recommended that Maria start seeing a counselor through the AdventHealth Hendersonville Age-Friendly Initiative to help her navigate her new role as caregiver.

“The health and well-being of my patients is highly dependent on the health and well-being of their caregivers,” Dr. Benson explains, “A caregiver who is educated on a disease process, how to manage it, and what to expect as the disease progresses, is better able to react to changes in the patient’s health as they occur. Therefore,” she adds, “it is very important that we support them however possible.”

“She has been pivotal in learning my new role,” Maria says. “At the same time, she is taking care of both our health. She goes the extra mile.”

Dr. Benson loves providing whole-person care to our community. “Geriatrics is my passion,” Dr. Benson says, “And I am very grateful to be here to serve the older adults in our community.

Working at AdventHealth has allowed me to work with our Age-Friendly Team committed to geriatric care, which involves collaborating with multiple resources on a local and national level to provide patients and their caregivers the help that they need.”

Maria and Russell are so grateful to Dr. Benson and the care that they both receive at AdventHealth.

“Whenever you are in a husband-and-wife relationship you affect each other,” Maria explains, “And your health affects each other. It gives me absolute peace of mind that he is well taken care of. Knowing that she really cares.”

Marianna “Tina” Benson, DO is a board-certified geriatrician and internal medicine physician. The combination of these specialized trainings gives her a unique understanding and appreciation of the challenges people face as they grow older.

Dr. Benson takes all aspects of her patients’ health into account, including their medical history, current diagnosis and health care goals. More importantly, she looks beyond the physical health to assess spiritual, mental and social health.

Patients can keep their primary care physicians and have Dr. Benson provide them with specialized Age-Friendly health and wellness care.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Benson or schedule an appointment with her, please visit AdventHealthNC.com/Age-Friendly or call 828-882-2502.

EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com | 7

Medicine

Committed to care for thei

By Emily Lynes, AdventHealth Hendersonville Contributing Writer

AdventHealth Hendersonville is committed to providing access to whole-person care that is convenient to people across the communities of Western North Carolina.

One way we are fulfilling this commitment is with our new AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Candler *. And one unique team of doctors is bringing their passion for patient-centered care to this new location.

Matthew and Dena Snead walking their dog, Abbie.

When Clyde native, Dena Snead, DO had the opportunity to join the team at AdventHealth Hendersonville, she jumped at the chance to return home and bring her husband, Matthew Snead, DO with her. The two have spent their entire professional careers together. They met on the first day of medical school in Mississippi, and the two have been together ever since.

“We’ve always worked together,” Matthew shares, “We work well as a team.

She’ll get a lot of the wives, and I’ll get a lot of the husbands of families.

It’s just that unique dynamic you don’t get anywhere else. It’s really interesting to be able to relate to the whole family that way.”

Coming home and serving her local community was something that was important to Dena. She has a passion for being a resource and connecting with her patients in all stages of their health care journey. “As someone’s primary care doctor I want to be a partner with them throughout their entire lives,” she says, “I try to think of every patient as a family member and what kind of care I would want them to have.”

The doctors bring their unique family approach to health care to AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Candler. The new facility on Sand Hill Road is located just across from the historic Enka Clock Tower in the Village at Biltmore Lake. This new facility is the result of people letting AdventHealth know they needed access to health care when and where they wanted. “We make it a priority to listen to what people in our communities are telling us about the health care they want,” said Christy Sneller, AdventHealth Hendersonville Vice President of Physician Services and Chief Practice Officer. “We knew Dena and Matt were the right fit to lead the primary care portion of this clinic.

Their compassion and focus on every aspect of a patient’s well-being lines up with our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ and our promise to help people feel whole.”

As board-certified internists, Drs. Dena and Matthew Snead lead the primary care access for patients in this new clinic. The community can also receive specialty care. We currently have Rheumatology and Ear, Nose and Throat providers at this location and will be adding more specialists this spring and summer.

8 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com

*A hospital department of AdventHealth Hendersonville

Marriage

ir patients and each other.

Dena is looking forward to this collaborative approach to health care.

“It’s really exciting in the Candler office that we will be able to provide imaging or X-rays as well as a general lab so that patients won’t have to leave the office to get that care,” she explains, “They can have it on the same day as their visits. I think that’s going to make the office even better.”

“The location is kind of a one-stop-shop for health care, so to speak,” Matthew says, “They can get multiple specialties right there in the office.”

The pair was drawn to AdventHealth’s mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ and its promise of whole-person care. “As DOs [Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine] we believe that the mind, body and spirit all affect each other,” Dena says, “Being a sense of emotional support, spiritual support is a lot of why we loved the idea of working at AdventHealth, where we are free to discuss the spiritual side of someone’s health, which does impact their mind and their body.

It all works together as a whole.”

The AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Candler is a perfect fit for both Dena and Matthew. It provides them with an opportunity to create that personal connection with their patients. “My philosophy of medicine is to take that hometown, country doctor that I grew up with and try to provide that same mentality again,” Matthew says, “to be a coach in a way, to be on the patient’s side, to help and to be a partner.”

Both of the Drs. Snead are looking forward to becoming even more involved with their new home community of Candler. They have purchased a home and are settling into the mountain region. They are excited to explore the diversity of food culture and check out the local music scene.

“I love this whole area of Western North Carolina, it’s my home!”

Dena exclaims, “We’re excited to be in the town of Candler and become a part of that community. Become a neighbor, a friend, shop there, and be able to provide care for that community as well.”

Dena Snead, DO and Matthew Snead, DO are welcoming new patients at AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Candler.

To learn more about the doctors and to schedule an appointment online, scan the QR code or call 828-900-1247.

EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com | 9

ACTIVITY

A Making it Easy to Remember Tools for Feeling Whole

A is for ACTIVITY

A basic acronym outlines eight principles that are proven to help us live healthier and happier lives. It is called CREATION Life.

Activity is the movement of your body and the development of your mind. Exercising both can keep you alert and energized.

THE EIGHT PRINCIPLES ARE: Choice Rest Environment Activity Trust in God Interpersonal Relationships Outlook Nutrition This prescription for wellness is a faith-based plan that helps shape and impact our daily routines. It centers around the whole-person health philosophy for our physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

10 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com

Regular physical activity provides the nourishment and oxygen your body needs. It comes with great rewards, such as a healthier life full of energy and vitality. You obtain the best results from your physical activity by incorporating different kinds of training into your workouts.

Regularly including strength training will build your muscles.

Aerobic exercises (such as running, cycling and tennis) will strengthen your heart and lungs, and will improve your endurance.

Stretching and balance exercises are important, too. Regularly exercising in these ways will improve your health, boost your self-confidence, and improve your brain function.

Planned, positive mental activity will help you embrace and enjoy opportunities to learn. It helps keep the mind open and accepting, as opposed to being closed and judgmental. It increases our capacity to show respect and curiosity for others’ ideas without feeling a need to conform. It also provides confidence when confronted with unfamiliar situations, facts and figures.

TIPS ON HOW TO STAY ACTIVE

For most people, making time for physical and mental activity is hard to do. Here are a few ways to make it easier to make a positive lifestyle change and get your body and mind moving.

Make It Family Time:

Adding activity into your routine can be fun when you have the whole family get involved!

Try having your kids pick some new activities they would like to try, such as: Archery, Bowling, Gardening, Geocaching, Horseback Riding, Martial Arts, or Biking. And then join in the fun!

Spending time being active with your kids is a great way to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle.

Schedule Time:

It can seem daunting to squeeze one more thing into already packed schedules. Make exercise a priority with a designated time and space that works for your entire family. Try Walking Wednesdays or Swimming Saturdays to ensure exercise becomes a fun and regular routine.

Start Small:

Look for small opportunities during the day to be more active. Walking to the mailbox, taking the stairs, or adding 10 to 15-minute walking breaks during prolonged periods of sitting can help get your body moving.

Track and Celebrate Your Success:

Keep a record of your activities in a calendar or a logbook. Write down the distance and length of time for your activity and how you feel afterward.

Seeing your success written down with each milestone you meet will help motivate you to keep being active!

To learn more about Activity and the other CREATION Life principles, visit AdventHealthNC.com/CREATION-Life.

A Favorite

Veggie Lasagna Packed with nutrition, this lovely layered feast offers a different taste combination with every bite. The meatiness of roasted vegetables and tofu brings an earthy quality that will make the family forget there isn’t any actual meat.

Portobello Eggplant Napoleon Recipe courtesy of Chef Edwin Cabrera

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

PREP INSTRUCTIONS

• 1 cup zucchini, sliced bias • 8 ounces tofu, sliced sideways into four slabs • 1 large tomato, cut into 4 thick slices • 6 ounces pimiento pepper, cut into 4 pieces • 8 ounces eggplant, sliced into four disks • 4 portobello mushrooms, gills removed • 1/2 ounce fresh herb balsamic vinaigrette (recipe follows)

• • • •

Fresh Herb Balsamic Vinaigrette • 1/2 teaspoon teaspoon fresh garlic, minced • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon fine ground pepper • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped • 3 tablespoons olive oil

4. Place in the oven and roast for 15 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS 1. Follow the prep technique next to each ingredient.

2. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Prepare pan with nonstick cooking oil.

3. On a prepared sheet pan spray zucchini, eggplant, tofu and tomatoes.

5. Remove from the oven and build the vegetable napoleon as desired adding the pimiento pepper.

6. Place back in the oven and roast for 5 more minutes.

7. Remove from the oven and drizzle with the fresh herb balsamic vinaigrette. Serve hot.

EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com | 11

Is O ur Calling

By Emily Lynes AdventHealth Hendersonville Contributing Writer

Why I Chose AdventHealth for My Health Care Career Amanda Bentley’s Story Amanda Bentley, PMHNP was ready for the next step in her career. After exploring her options, the choice became clear to her. With more than 10 years of nursing experience in the behavioral health unit, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner was the career path she wanted to follow.

“This would be something I would be good at,” Amanda remembers, “I can work independently, I have the experience working in the field for so long, and I like the ability to meet patients where they’re at.”

Amanda started the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program with Walden University in August 2019. While she was in the middle of her program, she had the opportunity to join the team at AdventHealth Hendersonville as a Behavioral Health Nurse Navigator in the Emergency Department. Her job was to see all of the patients who came in with a mental health issue or concern. She would then do an assessment and reach out to providers to brief them on the situation. After the patients were moved out of the Emergency Department, she would follow up to make sure they had access to medicines and available treatment options.

While working as the Behavioral Health Nurse Navigator, Amanda fell in love with the culture at AdventHealth. “Of all the places I have worked,” she says, “This is where I have felt 12 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com

the most comfortable. The most valued. It’s like a family here.

You feel that people, whether it’s your superiors, your administration, or it’s the person who is mopping the floor – they all care about each other. And that’s a nice work environment to come to. I decided that, if at all possible, I was going to stay here.”

The Behavioral Health Nurse Navigator role was a new and innovative two-year project led by Beth Cassidy DNP MSN RN NEBC RNC-OB Director of Clinical Services: Emergency Department & Clinical Education at AdventHealth Hendersonville. Amanda was able to help guide the program. “This project was interesting because it had never been done before,” Amanda explains, “And I basically got to come in and decide what was going to be done and how it was going to be done and do it.”

Amanda finished her degree in February 2021 but decided to continue in her role in the Emergency Department to see that project through to its completion. She was also hoping the wait would lead to an opportunity to join AdventHealth as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She didn’t have to wait long. A job position became available in the Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, and she started her new role there in December.

Amanda feels a lot of satisfaction in helping her patients by figuring out how to get them feeling better. “I like to try to go in and say, “I’m the person that’s here to help you. Tell me what you need from me.”, she explains, “And then just open up and listen.

A lot of times you can figure out so much by just being quiet and listening.”

Amanda feels passionate about helping her patients, and those in the community, receive whole-person care. “Mental health to me extends to all aspects of your life,” she says,

The Future of Health Care Is Here

Discover your opportunity to enjoy the career balance and support that Amanda experiences.

AdventHealth Hendersonville knows the importance of building a team that has a shared commitment to quality care for patients.

Learn more about our incredible team and how you can become part of it by scanning the QR code below.

“Your spiritual life, your personal relationships, your ability to work, your ability to be a functioning member of society. It really kind of ripples out into all of that.

So, you have to make sure that what you are treating is not only what’s right there in front of you, but what isn’t there in front of you.”

Being a native of the area gives Amanda a unique motivation to provide care to her community.

Being part of a health care family that supports her in this goal, is what makes her committed to care every day at AdventHealth.

“It feels really good to be giving back to and reaching your community, by providing service,” she says, “If I’m able to help folks feel like they have a partner in care, then it’s very rewarding to me.”

New Rheumatologist brings technology bedside for early diagnosis and treatment to change lives.

After battling COVID-19 last year, Rachael Swann was feeling like something still wasn’t right with her health. Concerned it may be tied to COVID Long-haulers, Rachael saw her primary care physician. After running some blood tests, her primary care physician thought she might have Lupus and wanted to get her in to see a rheumatologist. But as Rachael started her search for help, she found many rheumatology practices in the area had long wait times for appointments - 6 to 7 months in some cases. That’s when Rachael told her doctors to send her to AdventHealth Hendersonville.

Rachael was able to get an appointment with Francis Luk, MD at AdventHealth Medical Group Rheumatology at Hendersonville.

“He was just phenomenal,” Rachael says, “He researched everything with my history.

I think it was over an hour he spent with me for my first visit. He’s an absolute blessing.”

Rachael was officially diagnosed with Lupus.

And Dr. Luk was able to get her started on a treatment plan right away.

Dr. Luk is board-certified in rheumatology and internal medicine. He specializes in the treatment of RA, gout, lupus, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and many other joint diseases.

One of the specialized aspects of Dr. Luk’s care is bringing the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound right to the bedside of his patients.

This helps him see immediately if there is inflammation in the joints, or tendons. This immediate feedback is critical in getting the patients started on the correct treatment faster.

MaryJo Davis is another one of Dr. Luk’s patients. She was also diagnosed with Lupus and has started a treatment plan with Dr. Luk. “When I had my appointment, it was absolutely the most thorough exam I think I’ve ever gotten anywhere,” MaryJo says, “I left with a diagnosis and treatment options.

And I’m just so thankful.”

Dr. Luk is passionate about building trust with patients and listening to their individual health needs. “I take their concerns seriously,” he says, “I’m going to take the time to be as complete as I can. And I’m going to be available so when they call with any questions or concerns, I’m going to get back to them.”

Dr. Luk adds, “I’m here and available, and I’m going to do what it takes to help keep their disease under control.”

Rachael finds what Dr. Luk has given her goes beyond just answers to her medical concerns. “He gave me hope for the first time in a while,” Rachael explains, “When you’ve been sick for 5 months, hope is a hard thing to hold onto. And when I have some hard days it’s nice to know that all I have to do is reach out and I’ll have help.”

For MaryJo, she is happy with her decision to be a patient of Dr. Luk’s. “I very much trust him,” she shares, “I drive an hour. And I would drive two hours if I needed to. It’s worth a few extra minutes on the road. He’s wonderful.”

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Luk or schedule an appointment, scan the QR code or call 828-882-2315.

“It’s important to have a correct diagnosis because that greatly impacts the treatments,” Dr. Luk explains, “Having an answer sooner, is more time saved, more pain saved, and hopefully less disability.”

EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com | 13

Kelly Spangler enjoying the open road with her husband.

The Power of Facing

Cancer

By Emily Lynes, AdventHealth Hendersonville Contributing Writer

When Kelly Spangler was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2018, finding a Multiple Myeloma support group in the area offered her a ray of hope. But when the local hospital that was hosting the support group went through some changes, and ultimately decided to stop offering the Multiple Myeloma support group, Kelly and other members were desperate to find a place, and support, for their group. That’s when they turned to AdventHealth Hendersonville.

Kelly and another member approached AdventHealth Hendersonville’s Hematology Oncology Infusion Center to see if they would be interested in hosting their Multiple Myeloma Support Group. True to its promise to provide whole-person care, AdventHealth Hendersonville quickly said “yes” to the chance to provide resources and space to this group of survivors.

“We were jumping for joy.” Kelly remembers, “We couldn’t believe how quickly it came together. It really felt like AdventHealth wanted to provide that support for us.”

Multiple Myeloma is a very unique form of cancer. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, myeloma is a blood cancer of cells found in the bone marrow, specifically the so-called “plasma cells.” Because of how rare it is, it’s important that Multiple Myeloma patients get specialized support.

14 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com

“I knew nobody that had Multiple Myeloma before I got this diagnosis,” Kelly says, “Without a group of people going through the same thing, you’re kinda isolated.”

“I think it’s good for people to have a Multiple Myloma Support Group community of others that are walking the same road,” explains Kerry Irish, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, AdventHealth Clinical Oncology Social Worker, “For some who are newly diagnosed to be able to come in and have people who are long timers there, it gives them a real boost of hope.

It’s good for them to be able to talk with someone who has been there.”

The support group provides a place for people to connect and share information directly related to Multiple Myeloma.

Guest speakers also provide an added array of resources tailored specifically to Multiple Myeloma patients, from nutrition to optimal exercises.

“It’s a place where people can feel free to share their fears, their questions, their feelings about Multiple Myeloma and how to live their best life,” Kelly adds, “Thank heavens AdventHealth picked it up so we can continue.”

please join us for

Luncheon Wednesday, May 11, 2022 Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park 43 Town Square Blvd Asheville, NC 28803 10:30 to 11:30 am: Pre-Event Reception for Brilliance and Illuminate Sponsors with Keynote Speaker CSM Gretchen Evans

11:30 am to 12:30 pm:

Networking and Auction Viewing

12:30 to 1:30 pm:

Lunch and Program Based on the COVID-19 Situation, event may be held virtually.

The Multiple Myeloma support group is one of many cancer support groups AdventHealth Hendersonville hosts.

It meets once a month, and like all of AdventHealth’s cancer support groups, it is open to anyone who is impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

Multiple Myeloma patients and their caregivers are invited to join the group.

If you would like to find out more information about all of the cancer support groups at AdventHealth, please contact Kerry Irish at Kerry.Irish@AdventHealth.com.

Supporting Behavioral Health and Perinatal Bereavement Initiatives

Presented by

TALLONI, A SHOE SALON

To attend or learn more contact The Foundation Team at 828-681-2421

EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com | 15

CONNECT WITH US!

Do you have a question about Experience Magazine? Is there something you’d like to see in future issues? To share your thoughts, contact victoria.dunkle@adventhealth.com.

Experience Magazine Editor: Victoria Dunkle Photography: Hal Alexander Design/Layout: Melissa Sweeterman

New Location Now Open!

Primary Care in Candler

Feel Whole for Your Whole Life With Primary & Specialty Care in Candler • Same-day and next-day, in-person and telehealth appointments • Primary Care – Internal Medicine with immediate availability • Specialty Care – Services coming this spring, including Rheumatology and Ear, Nose & Throat

• On-site lab services • 24/7 access to care through the AdventHealth App • Only faith-based, not-for-profit health system in the region

AdventHealthNC.com/PCP 16 | EXPERIENCE AdventHealthNC.com

Matthew Snead, DO Internal Medicine