Welcome to the winter edition of Thrive! It is hard to believe this is the third year for this publication, so we want to start off by giving thanks to our readers, authors and editors. If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll click here to sign-up for future editions. This edition has a special focus on work in cancer survivorship. If you have any questions on our content, or ideas for articles in upcoming editions, please contact Amy Litterini at amy.litterini@mainehealth.org.
Diagnosed with head and neck cancer at the age of 58, Biddeford resident Brian Fleurant shares his cancer experience that finishes with a mission of advocacy.
By Brian Fleurant with Amy Litterini
It began around the last week of September, 2022, when Covid-19 entered our home, uninvited. My wife Melissa tested positive first, then about a week later my then 5-year-old daughter Annalia and I tested positive, just four days prior to what was to be the beginning of a relaxing and fun 10-day Disney World trip. As you might guess, the trip ultimately had to be rescheduled (for mid-May of 2023). Now, pay close attention to the timeline. After a week of recovering from Covid, I noticed a tickle in my throat. So, I looked at my throat in the bathroom mirror and in a surreal moment I saw a large mass on the right side where the tonsil is. I then called Melissa into the bathroom for her opinion and she looked and exclaimed, “what the f is that?!”
So, a day or two later I scheduled an appointment with my PCP. I walked into the exam room on November 11, 2022. The doctor checked the mass in my throat and then sat down at the computer and I asked, “So?” As he was clacking on his keyboard, he said “I've seen this before, and it will go away as quick as it came. Just gargle warm water with salt three times a day and follow up in February.”
As time went along, I thought my throat symptoms were left over side effects of Covid. My follow up came with a different doctor and he referred me to a local ENT, Dr. Lee. Dr. Lee’s office called me a short time after and scheduled my consultation for May 17, 2023. I said “Nope, I will be in Disney then”. We went, and really enjoyed Disney!
So June 20, 2023, came up for the ENT appointment for the biopsy, and then ambulatory surgery to remove the mass was set for July 5, 2023, at Southern Maine Health Care. The mass turned out to be a 4 centimeter (walnut size) cancerous tumor, HPV 16+ squamous cell carcinoma. I have to mention the great care I received there, which met my expectations for sure.
Dr. Lee then referred me to Dr. Mimikos in Scarborough at MaineHealth Otolaryngology Care. She specializes in head Continued next
Above: Brian and family at Disney World in Orlando, Florida in May 2023. Previous: Brian fishing in Jackman on Canada Falls Lake
Continued from previous and neck cancers, and we discussed possible further care. My wife and I met with Dr. Mimikos and she suggested I have more surgery done to take out the rest of the cancer in that region. At my consult, I also met with nurse navigator Amber O’Leary, who was instrumental in helping coordinate my care. On August 14, 2023, a 4 ½ hour robotic throat surgery was done. Yes, more cancer was removed from the back of my throat up towards the level of my sinus cavity. Twentyseven lymph nodes were taken out and tested, all thankfully NEGATIVE for cancer cells.
Above: Brian in his mask ready to receive radiation therapy
Ultimately, after four days at Maine Medical Center with great care and support (I was told it was typically a 5-10 day hospital stay), I was discharged. When I followed up with Dr. Mimikos, she explained that I needed to have radiation therapy in Scarborough.
I then met Dr. Parsons, a Radiation Oncologist, and scheduled neck radiation for five days a week for six weeks. This was intended as “clean-up”, and they explained that the radiation was to kill any remaining cancer cells. While having radiation I got to pick my music, which was 80’s rock. On my 30th and last radiation treatment, I picked “Thunder Struck” by AC/DC, which seemed only fitting. I told them to crank it!
I was off for a total of three weeks on short term disability, then back to work for the City of
Biddeford as a heavy equipment operator. My last PET Scan was in late March, 2024, which showed NO CANCER CELLS present. This was most recently confirmed by laryngoscope in September, 2024. I’ve gone on to become a mentor for Imerman Angels (see next) and an ambassador for the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance. I also became a born again Christian when I was baptized by Life Way Church on June 30, 2024- an enlightening perspective on my recovery. So often in our lives we find ourselves thrust into difficult and painful situations. But, we ourselves as patients, survivors and caregivers find a way to keep moving forward, and uplift each other in these difficult situations. To me, the fight was with the enemy within…and I needed a team to help me fight this opponent. I know I speak for other cancer patients, survivors and caregivers that do not have a voice right now when I say, We thank you to all the “foot soldiers”, doctors, nurses, radiation therapists that make our journeys a little easier and more comfortable! I also could not have done it without my wife, my rock, Melissa, and our daughter Annalia, aka ‘lil nor’easter’ as she was born during a blizzard.
Annie Russell, PAC, at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care
By John D. Begin
When she began her physician assistant program at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, Annie Russell envisioned a different life and career path than the one she eventually traveled.
“I would have said I’d still be living in Boston after graduating and I’d be working at Boston Children's Hospital,” she said, “but my cancer diagnosis and treatment changed my trajectory.”
Born and raised in Madison, Russell had completed the first year of her program when doctors diagnosed a tumor in her left foot as a sarcoma, a rare cancer that develops in the bones and soft tissues. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 12,000 cases of softtissue sarcomas and 3,000 cases of bone sarcomas are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Sadly, this diagnosis was not the first time her family had experienced the painful challenges of cancer.
Continued next
Barrett and Quinn Russell, photographed at their home in early Fall 2024
Continued from previous
“My history with cancer started in 2011. I was 17 years old when my dad was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma in his hip,” she said. “He was diagnosed in February and died in October. This experience played a huge role in my decision to become a medical provider.”
“With my family history, I was terrified when I was diagnosed,” she added. “I lived within walking distance of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, so I got a second opinion from one of the fancy, big-name hospitals in Boston. I took their treatment recommendations and decided to come home to Maine, to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, for my treatment.”
Before her eventual surgery in Boston to remove the tumor, Russell had six weeks of daily radiation therapy treatments at the cancer center in Augusta.
“More than seven years later, I’m cancer-free,” she said. “Without the radiation therapy I received close to home, I wouldn’t have my leg.”
Since 2021, as a clinician with the medical oncology team, Russell has treated patients at the same center that provided her expert oncology care.
Though she had a very positive experience with those who treated and supported her as a patient, she never expected to someday join them as a colleague. But life sometimes moves in mysterious ways.
“I was working in emergency medicine after graduating, soon after my fight with cancer, and leaving work feeling unfulfilled,” she recalled. “A very good friend, and one of the administrators at the cancer center, approached me and said, ‘I think you’d be a good fit here.’”
“At that time, I didn’t want to come within 20 feet of anyone with cancer, because of my own experience and my dad’s. It was too close to home,” Russell added, “but eventually I reconsidered and worked a few days there. I was blown away by the stark difference between my days at my full-time job and what a day there could look like. The compassion every person has for their patients makes this the type of place you want to work at.
Debbie Bowden, administrative director for Oncology Services at MaineGeneral, said Russell’s personal experience with cancer, along with her skills and compassion for others, has made her a wonderful addition to the team.
“Her story validates that ‘hope starts here.’ We can’t always witness what happens to our patients after we care for them, but in Annie’s case, we do know. The care she received here not only saved her leg, but also her life,” Bowden said. “She’s now living a full and joyful life, and she brings that joy to her work as a clinician.”
“Annie offers empathy, a true understanding of what patients are going through and a love for others,” she added. “She's the type of staff you’d want sitting across from you and giving you the hope and encouragement you need.”
Russell, too, acknowledges the importance of the connection she can make with her patients. And when she cares for them, she often thinks of her father.
“I want to take care of other people’s loved ones, like I wanted others to take care of my dad,” she said.
“Unfortunately, all of our lives will be touched by cancer at some point. But if you or a loved one receive a cancer diagnosis, the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care is the place you want to go for treatment.”
“Thanks to the cancer center, I can live a happy, full life with my husband Barrett and my baby girl Quinn, with all of my extremities intact. That wouldn’t have been possible without the excellent care I received right down the road from my home.”
John D. Begin is a communications specialist in MaineGeneral Health’s Marketing and Communications Department.
“The Survivorship Program is exceptional! It has been a vital part of my recovery after my cancer diagnosis. My life has been enriched by caring and expert clinicians who focus on my needs, making them the core of developing the plan that is right for me. I have been empowered by new knowledge gained through outstanding programs, where there is something to be learned by every participant.
Increasing my appreciation of the life ahead of me and taking control of my health and wellness have become my new priorities. Thanks to the Survivorship Program, I am maximizing the gift of life-saving medical care that I have been so fortunate to receive. I am forever grateful.”
Retired oncology nurse and educator, colorectal and breast cancer survivor, research participant, and lifestyle medicine survivorship program participant.
You can help expand the impact of MaineHealth Cancer Care through supporting The Survivorship Fund. A donation will give comfort to fellow cancer patients and survivors like Ann by supporting wellness and wellbeing. We hope you will consider making a gift, helping more people live life to the fullest. www.mmc.org/survivorship-fund
By Amy Litterini
When Thrive was originally conceptualized, the component of including survivor stories was a must. There is simply no substitution for relating to someone who’s walking a mile in your shoes, feels what you feel, and understands in a way others don’t. I went about searching for our first survivor for our first edition, and was subsequently introduced to Lois Reckitt by her navigator. Lois was more than happy to graciously share her story with me and ultimately all our readers in Volume 1, Edition 1. She spoke in very modest terms about her history of activism and her role in the state legislature and wanted instead for her story to focus on helping others going through their cancer experience. I just recently learned about Lois’s death from colon cancer last October. The sad news caused me to search for her obituary to honor her memory. Over the years of working in oncology I’ve realized you can learn a great deal from reading a person’s life story, even those patients you’ve worked with for many years and thought you knew quite well. In reading Lois’s obituary in the Portland Press Harold, I realized just how modest she’d been about her long and incredible legacy of advocacy. When the Associated Press article came up in my search, I realized her trailblazing impact was not only in the state of Maine, but it extended to the entire country. Lois’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights is also quite noteworthy. Her passing was also commemorated on the international website Shoutout, which named her as a US Lesbian Feminist Hero. Her formal awards and honors were numerous, including:
• The Outstanding Contribution to Law Enforcement Award: Maine Chiefs of Police Association, 1996
• She was inducted into the Maine Women's Hall of Fame in 1998
• She received the Advocate for Justice Award from the Maine Judicial Branch in 2001
• The John W. Ballou Distinguished Service Award from the Maine State Bar Association in 2005
• The Deborah Morton Award from the University of New England in 2013
• She is listed in Feminists Who Changed America, 1963–1975
• She was named "Feminist of the Month – 2010" by the Veteran Feminists of America.
• She founded: Maine’s NOW chapter, the Maine Right to Choose, the Maine Coalition for Human Rights, the Maine Women’s Lobby, and the Matlovich Society for Gay Rights and AIDS Awareness Lois’s story reminds us that survivorship extends from the day of diagnosis through the balance of life. I will be eternally grateful for her willingness to advocate one final time in one final way, as the first survivor to openly share in support those whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Rest in peace, Lois; we’re thankful for your legacy.
A W A R E N E S S
By Cary Gemmer, MaineHealth, Senior Leadership Gift Officer
Thank you for standing with us in our mission to raise awareness and support the patients and communities we serve. The Portland Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 740 showed incredible generosity and heart during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by finding ways to support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken, and give hope to all.
Before Thanksgiving, Portland Fire Department raised funds through their second annual breast cancer awareness T-shirt sale and proudly presented a $5,000 donation to MaineHealth Breast Care. These funds will support the Breast Care Center Fund and vital patient care.
Thank you to our local firefighters and first responders who battle blazes while also helping to fight cancer in our communities.
Governor Mills and Secretary of State Bellows proclaimed the last week in October and the first week in November Pink and Pearl Awareness Weeks. Teams across our system recognized the proclamation by raising awareness at our care sites and funds for breast and lung cancer screening at events across the state. Clockwise from top right: The Brunswick team, the South Portland team, the breast and thoracic teams, the breast team in Scarborough, the lung screening team, and the lung screening team at Making Strides.
By Samantha Grant, RN BSN, Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator, MaineHealth Institute for Research
It is important to spotlight a disease often diagnosed at advanced stages due to its subtle symptoms and lack of standard screening: ovarian cancer. The need to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, possible symptoms, and the evolving research to improve patient outcomes and lives remains vital.
Ovarian cancer likely originates in the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries and can spread to other parts of the pelvis and abdomen. It is classified into stages, from one to four, and is based on how far the cancer spread and the extent of the disease. Most ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at Stage III or IV, primarily due to the lack of early symptoms and effective screening methods. Currently, there is no standard screening test for ovarian cancer. By the time the disease is detected, it often requires more treatment and an aggressive approach with poor outcomes.
Ovarian cancer is often symptomless in its earliest stages, but as it progresses, women may experience:
• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Frequent urination or changes in bowel habits
These symptoms can be mistaken for less serious conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis. The Importance of Early Detection and Screening
Early detection is crucial in improving the prognosis for ovarian cancer. Awareness and education play vital roles in encouraging women to recognize symptoms and seek medical care early. Efforts in clinical research to find a standard screening tool for the disease remain underway and support is necessary to continue these campaigns.
Ovarian cancer has a wide range of standard treatment options ranging from surgery to chemotherapy to immunotherapy. Clinical trials and leading research experts continue to study the disease and treatment options for the most effective treatment; offering new opportunities for patients who may not have responded well to conventional treatments. Clinical trials can be a part of the journey for many, offering a beacon of hope in the world of cancer treatment. Despite the challenges of diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer, progress in research and treatment continues to offer hope. By increasing awareness, improving early detection, and supporting ongoing research, we can make strides towards better outcomes and ultimately a cure. Let us remember the brave women at the forefront battling the disease and let us fight for a future where early detection and effective treatment are the norm.
For more information about enrolling clinical trials at MaineHealth, visit our patient page. Alternatively, please feel free to email our Research Patient Navigator at clinicalresearch@mainehealth.org.
Reducing the likelihood that ovarian cancer is a cause of your symptoms is a major relief.
The OVERT Study is collecting blood samples from up to 5,000 women aged 22 years and older with vague symptoms who will take part in the OVERT study Participation in this study will contribute to scientific research that could transform early detection of disease for women .
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and are often ignored; research shows women have symptoms early in the course of disease. It is important to take women’s symptoms seriously and reduce the likelihood that they are due to ovarian cancer, which in the early stages is a highly treatable disease.
Vaginal bleed (post-menopause)
Feeling full after eating a few bites
Persistent bloating or abdominal distention
Been told you have a lump (mass) on the tissue near your uterus
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: 1 2 3 4 5 Unintentional weight loss
Your physician will conduct a physical examination, review your clinical history and symptoms, collect a blood sample, and perform a transvaginal ultrasound (TVU). Depending on your physician’s findings you will either be referred to a specialist or more likely require follow up visits at 6 and 12 months after your initial visit. The 6 month follow up visit will be a telephone consultation and the 12 month follow up visit will be a telephone consultation or a possible in person visit that will include a transvaginal ultrasound. The information collected will enable physicians to assess the accuracy of the blood test. If the study is successful, the study could transform early disease detection for women. Contact your local physician for more information and to see if you qualify.
The goal of this guide is to help you, your loved ones, or whoever helps you, get the information about your care that you may need. This will help support you and allow you to stay safely at home. Topics include: information about cancer; managing symptoms and medications; taking care of yourself; additional treatment options; and talking about cancer.
By Jennifer Kimble, MS, CRC, Director, MaineHealth Vocational Services
It is generally accepted that work contributes positively to one’s well-being provided that the work environment is both psychologically and physically safe. Studies show there is a strong link between the benefits of work and improved mental health.
Making the decision to continue working or go back to work while navigating cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship is a personal decision that depends on your unique set of circumstances. MaineHealth Vocational Services has a long history of working with individuals with diagnoses and disabilities of all kinds as they navigate employment in the context of their medical challenges; the considerations below may help you to determine what is the best decision for you…
Benefits of working:
Stability and normalcy during times of uncertainty.
A means of financial security.
Access to employee-based healthcare.
A sense of purpose, well-being, and belonging.
Community and social connections.
Returning to your previous job?
• Do you want to return to your prior career, or may it be time to consider a career pivot better suited to your current situation?
• Is there a possibility of remote or a flexible or reduced schedule?
• What reasonable accommodations could help to maintain work?
• If you have disability benefits, how will a return to work affect these benefits?
If you’re not ready to return to work just yet, you can still take steps to stay mentally engaged and prepare for future opportunities. Consider taking advantage of free online courses or affordable training programs to refresh your skills. Local adult education programs, community colleges, and university-led online courses are great resources to keep learning. Whether you choose to return to work or not, your decision should support your individual and personal well-being, health, and future aspirations!
Maine is currently experiencing a workforce shortage, which may make employers more open to considering candidates with part-time work capacity, flexible scheduling needs, gaps in employment history, or those with transferable skills that may not directly align with your prior work experience. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits and feel like it may be time to try working again, there are special work rules that allow you to try working while maintaining benefit eligibility! MaineHealth Vocational Services can help you to understand these rules and may also be able to support you on the pathway back to work! For more information, email us at EmploymentNetwork@mainehealth.org.
Stay tuned for our next publication, we’ll dive deeper into how working while receiving Social Security Benefits can work to your advantage!
The Balancing Work and Cancer Webinar series offers a targeted lineup of sessions on topics critical to patients, survivors, and their care teams with no cost to join. We hope you will join us for one, or all, of these conversations!
Making Key Decisions
Wednesday, January 22nd, 1 PM ET/10 AM PT
Managing Long Term Stress
Wednesday, February 5th, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT Building Confidence
Wednesday, March 5th, 1PM ET/10 AM PT
Marketing Yourself: Job Search and Beyond Wednesday, April 2nd, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
Job Search Tools: Using AI Strategically Wednesday, May 6th, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
First Impressions: Resumes and LinkedIn
Wednesday, June 4th, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
Career Shifting: Tips, Tools & Techniques
Wednesday, July 9th, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
Balancing Work & Cancer Wednesday, August 6th, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
Communicating Effectively: Part 1 Wednesday, September 10th, 1PM ET/10 AM PT
Communicating Effectively: Part 2 Wednesday, October 8th, 1PM ET/10 AM PT
Balancing Work & Caregiving Wednesday, November 5th, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
Self-Care: Practical Approaches at Work and Beyond Wednesday, December 3rd, 1 PM ET/10 AM PT
Inova Peterson Life with Cancer is thrilled to share that we are launching the Women’s Sexual Health Educational Series in January with the support of Cancer Coalition of Virginia and CDC! We hope that you’ll join us for this 11-week series to learn about women’s sexual health after a cancer diagnosis from expert speakers around the country. This virtual program is open to all women who have been diagnosed with cancer, their caregivers/partners, and healthcare providers. Click HERE to register for individual webinar sessions or the whole series.
Inova Peterson Life with Cancer Women’s Sexual Health Webinar Series
Tuesdays, 6-7:15p.m. ET
• January 7: Managing Medically-Induced Menopause with Dr. Kelly Chiles, MD
• January 21: Pelvic Floor Movement with Yoga Therapy with Sayde Alexandrescu, MSYT, C-IAYT, RYT
• February 4: The Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy with Dr. Lauren Trosch, PT, DPT, OCS
• February 18: Mindfulness and Sexual Well-Being with Dr. Lori Brotto, PhD R Psych
• March 4: Reinvigorating Eroticism with Dr. Heather Goltz, PhD, LCSW-S, MEd, MPH
• March 18: An Overview of Women’s Sexual Health with Dr. Shawn Davis-Wilensky, MD
• April 1: Managing Emotional Distress Related to Sexual Health Changes with Dr. Sharon Bober, PhD
• April 22: Finding Pleasure and Introducing Toys with Teal Dye
• May 6: Treating Sexual Health Concerns During and After Treatments with Dr. Rachel Rubin, MD
• May 20: Psychosexual Adjustment for Couples with Jennifer Bires, LCSW, OSW-C, CST
• June 3: Sexual Desire
For cancer survivors diagnosed with a central nervous system tumor, they can face an overwhelming amount of health information. Navigators are specially trained nurses and healthcare professionals who provide guidance and support for patients in their families through the health system. Navigators partner with patients and their caregivers by helping them understand their treatment plan and the services that are available to empower them when making healthcare choices. Navigators helped simplify information by educating patients and their caregivers with one-on-one sessions and take time to address questions and concerns. Navigators help identify healthcare and community resources to remove the best outcomes for each individual patient.
What types of support does a neuro navigator offer?
• Education on treatment plans possible side effects and clinical trials
• Help to identify healthcare and community resources
• Access to support groups and classes
• Advocacy for patients and caregivers
For more information, please call 207-662-2297.
Sara Cox, BSN, CNRN has worked in Neuroscience since 2013 and is currently Supervisor to the Neuroscience Patient Navigator team at Maine Medical Center in Portland. She is also the Spine Program Manager and serves as liaison to the Joint Commission for Maine Medical Center’s Comprehensive Spine Certification. Sara facilitates many multi-disciplinary projects for complex neuroscience patient populations, including a support group (see next), and is the primary patient navigator for Neuro Oncology patients. She is energized by the possibilities of innovation in every form along the healthcare spectrum and finds improving small details in clinical care to widespread programmatic shifts equally rewarding. Outside of work, Sara is a mom, musician, yogi and entrepreneur. She loves spending time in the great Maine outdoors, cooking, and working with humans who love working with humans.
A few of Sara’s impressive accomplishments include:
Sara Cox, BSN, CNRN
• Redesigned the traditional hospital gown specifically for Neuroscience patients. More info HERE.
• Received 1st place for Operational Excellence at MMC for a team project "Coordination of Inpatient and Outpatient Care for Neurology Patients Undergoing Epilepsy Monitoring".
• Developed and helped to run an interdisciplinary research project studying post op urinary retention in males ages 50-85 having spine surgery. The DRIPS study took 4 years to complete and had over 600 participants. Results to be published.
• Guest Speaker addressing 2024 American Brain Tumor Annual Conference
• Guest Speaker addressing NIH/NCI conference on addressing the unmet needs of adolescent young adult (AYA) patients with CNS tumors in October, 2024.
3rd Tuesday every other month
5:30 - 6:30 pm
100 Campus Drive
Scarborough,ME
Conference Rooms
1&2 behind the cafe
Email: nnengland@bcan.org
January 21st, 2025
March 18th, 2025 May 20th, 2025
July 15th, 2025 September 15th, 2025
I saw my doctor today.
Did you ask your questions?
Yes! Thanks for helping me with the list.
When facing breast cancer, connecting with someone who knows what you’re going through can be a crucial form of support. Some challenges can only be understood by someone who has been there. The American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery® program connects you with a trained volunteer who is a breast cancer survivor. Our volunteers provide one-on-one support to help you cope with treatment, side effects, and more. With a convenient mobile app and website, you can connect and chat wherever and whenever.
“Cancer is not just physical, it’s emotional and psychological. You have moments where you wonder if your feelings, thoughts or emotions are normal. Speaking to survivors validates these feelings.”
–
Meagan F., Survivor & volunteer
Create a profile on reach.cancer.org or our mobile app, ACS Reach.
See volunteers who faced a similar diagnosis
Chat, call, or message for one-on-one support
To learn more, visit reach.cancer.org or search for ACS Reach To Recovery on Google Play or the App Store.
Volunteers do not provide medical advice. Reach To Recovery is a free program.
Nutrition Education Services Center | Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
By Snow Tardif
Saturday, November 9 was National Lung Cancer Screening Day. Screening Centers across Maine were opened on Saturday to help screen eligible patients who may not have access during the work week. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1,600 Maine residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024, and it is estimated that 840 Maine individuals will die from this disease this year. This is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to increase access to lung cancer screening and save lives.
Jessica Gill -MA, Lori Newsome -screening support staff, Snow Tardif BSN RN Program Manager, Vicky Johnson CT Manager, Megan Demers CT supervisor, Patti Bartlett- CT Tech II, and Mariana Fernandez -CT Tech 1.
MaineHealth Thoracic Surgery participated in the “Free ME from Lung Cancer” 5K walk/run event held on 10/20/24. Free Me from Lung Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to support lung cancer research, advocacy, and lung cancer screening in Maine. Thoracic Surgery raised $3,485 and Free ME from Lung Cancer generously matched, then increased the total to $10,000. These raised funds will be used for patients who are unable to afford their follow up CT scan due to an abnormal lung screening CT scan. MH Thoracic Surgery won two awards at this event: The Largest Team award and the Top Donnor Award. Congratulations to the participants!
Healthcare Heroes is a program through MaineHealth Maine Medical Center’s Philanthropy to honor caregivers that have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and families. Breast Care Center nurse practitioner Karen Phelps was recently recognized by a patient. From the patient:
“As at two-time breast cancer survivor, I need a yearly mammogram and breast MRI. In order to ensure Medicare would cover the costs, I needed an advocate. Ms. Phelps proved to be the exact person to fulfill this need for me. It took her weeks of research and phone calls to ascertain exactly what was required to obtain Medicare's approval. In the end, Medicare did agree to cover the cost of an annual MRI. I am forever grateful to Karen.”
To recognize your caregiver, please visit https://www.mainehealth.org/maine-medicalcenter/philanthropy/grateful-patients
SummerKnight,RN,BSN
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. Nurse navigator Summer Knight recently received the DAISY award.
From her nomination:
Wayne, a patient who has Summer Knight, GU Nurse Navigator as his Navigator, called to express his gratitude for Summer’s care. He wanted to specifically reach out to share what an amazing job Summer did in helping him with his new cancer diagnosis. He shared Summer is so ‘technically knowledgeable’ that she was able to educate him on his diagnosis, treatment options and what to expect. She spent an enormous amount of time over multiple instances explaining things and was a breath of fresh air. His past experiences with medical care required a lot of effort and energy and things got dropped. He shared Summer is so on top of things, she was able to anticipate his needs and took a lot of the worry away. He said every patient should have a Nurse Navigator and he cannot imagine going through this diagnosis without her.
MaineHealth Medical Group partnered with the DAISY foundation in 2022 to ensure that nurses in the ambulatory/practice settings had an opportunity to be recognized for the extraordinary care they provide.
By Rebecca Tryon, LCSW
We just received a donation of Stampin' Up card kits for patients to use during treatment or at home. Sharon is a consultant for Stampin' Up and she offered her customers the ability to donate a kit to Cancer Care. Sixty-four kits were donated and each kit contains all the supplies and instructions needed to create 8-9 cards with envelopes. No experience in papercrafting necessary!
Another successful Pink of the Links golf event was held on July 19th at the Biddeford Saco Country Club hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. A generous check was presented to the leaders of the Breast Care team for over $15,000.
A sincere thanks goes out to all the organizers, participants and community members who contributed to the success of the event!
January: Cervical Cancer Awareness
Firefighter Cancer Awareness
February:
Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness
National Cancer Prevention Month
World Cancer Day…2/4
International Childhood Cancer Day…2/15
National Caregivers Day…2/21
March: Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Kidney Cancer Awareness
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day…3/3
World Lymphedema Day…3/6
Anal Cancer Awareness Day…3/21
Sugarloaf Charity Summit Charity Challenge
Join Maine Cancer Foundation, the Dempsey Center, and the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center in the effort to raise a mountain of money to fight cancer. We invite you to start a team or to contribute to the collective goal on your own!
When: January 25, 2025
Where: Sugar Loaf Resort
Hoops for Hope (more information next)
The goal of Hoops for Hope is to provide support to families dealing with the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis. Money is raised through an annual fundraiser hosted by the Thornton Academy Girls Basketball program. For more information please contact us at info@hoopsforhopemaine.com or visit our website.
When: January 28, 2025
Where: Thornton Academy
Mary's Walk began in 1999 as a way to Mary Kerry Libby, a much-loved member of the Saco-Biddeford community who passed away from Burkitt's Lymphoma. 27 years later, Mary’s Walk has raised over $4.4 million for Maine Cancer Foundation. Join us every March to celebrate community and raise money to fight cancer in Maine! Click HERE to register.
When: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Where: Saco, ME
Turning the Tide Ovarian Cancer Retreats
2 Edition 1 Jan- Mar, 2024
2 Edition 2 April- June, 2024
We would like to thank our donors and grant funders for their generous support of the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network and the patients and families we serve.
