EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT | Meet Debbie Iddings, the supervisor of lab registration at our FirstHealth Cancer Center. Debbie joined our cancer care team more than four years ago after moving to the area from upstate New York where she worked for nearly 16 years as a financial coordinator for an orthodontics office. While she initially anticipated continuing her path in dental care upon her move to the area, destiny intervened when she encountered an opportunity to work in oncology. Moved by the loss of her dear cousin to breast cancer, Debbie embraced the chance to make a difference in oncology. "Witnessing the compassionate care my cousin received during her battle inspired me to dedicate myself to supporting patients and families facing similar challenges," she shared. "Every day, my goal is to bring a ray of light into someone's journey." Outside of work, Debbie finds joy in gardening, tackling home improvement projects and indulging her passion for golf—a shared interest with her husband, which drew them to the area. Family plays a central role in her life, with her mother, son, sister and brother-in-law all relocating from New York to North Carolina. Debbie and her husband eagerly anticipate the arrival of their first grandchild later this year.
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CEO THERMOCHECK - BREAST HEALTH Founder | Strategic Advisor | CMO | Cancer Coach | Health & Wellness Expert | Author of LIVE BRAVE
When I was doing treatments for breast cancer, my girlfriends and I rolled up to the infusion centre blasting “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Chemo karaoke, we called it. Every time my friend Nique drove me to the hospital, we cranked up the music and sang our hearts out. It taught me that even in the darkest times, a shared smile can light up the room, reminding everyone that joy, too, is a potent medicine. Here are 5 things I’ve learned about facing challenges from the experience: ✨ Embrace companionship: Don't face challenges in isolation. Surround yourself with friends who add light to the darkest days. ✨ Cultivate joy: Find humour in adversity. Laughter can be as healing as any medicine. ✨ Be creatively defiant: Use imagination to transform challenging experiences into moments of joy and defiance. ✨ Lean on your community: Let others in. Accepting support can turn a solitary journey into a shared adventure. ✨ Celebrate every victory: No matter how small, each positive step is worth celebrating with those who care. With a little creativity and a lot of support, we can dance through any storm. Life, even in its most challenging moments, is worth celebrating.
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Erin Grau shares five solid tips for creating inclusive workplaces for those battling with cancer.
Today marks a deeply personal milestone—I am officially five years cancer-free! This journey, stretching back to my breast cancer diagnosis in 2018, has not only been a personal battle, but also a profound learning experience about the importance of a supportive workplace. Fifty-percent of employees with cancer are afraid to tell their employers about their diagnosis. Too many of them don’t have the workplace support they need—and as early detection and advances in treatment mean that more people will be living and working with cancer, the need for that support has never been more urgent. Today, as I commemorate my five years in remission, I'm sharing my first-ever video with five lessons for creating a supportive workplace for those battling cancer. They are: 1️⃣ Cultivate open communication and foster a workplace culture where open dialogue about both challenges and triumphs is encouraged. 2️⃣ Promote flexible work arrangements to all employees, which allows them to balance their professional responsibilities with their health and well being, ensuring no one has to choose between the two. 3️⃣ Foster empathy and create an inclusive environment where employees facing health challenges feel supported, understood, and valued. Extend this empathy by educating the team on how to provide meaningful support to their colleagues. 4️⃣ Commit to long-term support, beyond remission, and develop policies and resources that cater not only to immediate needs, but offer sustained support and assistance post-treatment. 5️⃣ Celebrate every milestone, big and small, because acknowledging achievements in both our personal and professional lives fosters a positive and supportive culture and reinforces our commitment to each other’s well being and success. When I was diagnosed, work became my anchor, offering a sense of normalcy amidst the darkest and most uncertain times. It was a way to maintain momentum in my life and foster hope for a future beyond cancer—a future that felt familiar and promising. While each cancer patient's journey is uniquely their own, certain needs are universal: support and flexibility from the workplace, assurances of job security, and access to comprehensive medical care and paid leave. These are not just benefits; they are lifelines that enable individuals to fight their battles without losing their foothold in their professional and personal lives. To every colleague, past and present, who walked this daunting path with me: your words, the heartfelt letters I've treasured, the thoughtful gifts for my little daughters, the nourishing meals, your quiet presence during chemo sessions, and the countless acts of kindness you've shown, these were beacons of hope. You didn't just support me; you carried me. Your unwavering empathy, understanding and care are a testament to the life-changing power of a compassionate workplace. #WorkingWithCancerInitiative #WorkingWithCancer #WorkplaceWellness #Leadership #AnniversaryReflections
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September is #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth. At ACCESS, we are integrating the voice of Persons With Lived Experience with those of researchers, healthcare providers, industry leaders, and partner organizations who are committed to achieving better health outcomes and quality of life for children with cancer and their families. By doing so, we are advancing pediatric cancer experience, science and survivorship – and transforming lives. Here's how you can get involved this September: - Join our Mailing List- bit.ly/47cvwC1 - Register for our upcoming events - bit.ly/3AQZiQK - Join us as a Person With Lived Experience - bit.ly/3Xt1xT4 - Become a Partner - bit.ly/4e5LCjd #CancerAwareness #PediatricCancer
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Helping doctors achieve financial freedom through real estate investing | Real Estate Investor, Physician, Entrepreneur
3 things I’ve learned about rare cancers in children: (these are based on my own practice and experiences) 1. Understanding rarity in pediatric cancer ↳ Expertise in treating these unique cases is built over time Explanation? Specializing in niche areas like rare pediatric cancers requires dedication and continuous learning. It’s not immediate, but the result of hard work and perseverance. 2. Developing standard treatments ↳ Innovative approaches are crucial when standard options don't exist My take? Just like any other challenge, when you embrace the need for innovation and push the boundaries of traditional methods, you achieve breakthroughs. Without this mindset, progress stalls. 3. Becoming a world expert ↳ Recognition comes from a relentless commitment to the field When you consistently respond to global queries with the knowledge and experience you've accumulated, you build a reputation. Helping others willingly amplifies your impact and recognition. Bonus: Collaboration with global experts accelerates progress. My personal experience: Working with specialists worldwide has not only expanded my knowledge but also fast-tracked the development of effective treatments. Shared expertise leads to quicker advancements. Found this insightful? Share with your network. ♻️ (see what I did there) P.S. Which one resonates the most with you?
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Associate Director, Finance and Administration @ Weill Cornell Medicine | Executive MBA @ Cornell (Class of 2025)
I love and appreciate this! It is a complex and emotional experience when taking care of a parent who is terminally ill. It's easy to forget about oneself and become overwhelmed by the responsibilities and feelings that come with caregiving. However, it is possible to find strength by returning to one's core values and identity. Returning to core values can be a grounding force in difficult times. Focusing on the commitment to family, resilience in the face of adversity, or unwavering compassion can offer comfort and strength. Returning to one's core can also provide a sense of purpose and meaning when caring for a terminally ill parent. Focusing on acts of love and support can reignite a sense of purpose, which is critical to staying in the moment and dealing with letting someone you love dearly go. #mom #pancreaticcancer #caregiving #family #love #selfcare #ballet #school
Caregivers are an essential part of the care team for every person who has cancer, and that experience can often be difficult and stressful. But who we are as people does not change when we become caregivers, says Dr. Allison J. Applebaum, Ph.D., a psychologist and the founding director of the Caregiver's Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Applebaum's own experience while caring for her father taught her how to reconnect with herself in ways she'd forgotten (hint: 🩰). Watch the full video to hear more about how to navigate caregiving and grief.
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🌟 **A Testament of Strength and Community: Princess Catherine's Journey through Cancer Treatment** 🌟 The recent announcement from Kensington Palace about Princess Catherine completing her chemotherapy treatment marks a significant milestone not just for her family, but for countless individuals battling cancer. In a poignant video filmed last Christmas, Catherine shared her family's nine-month journey through her diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the resilience and unity required to face such challenges. Reflecting on the video, several key themes emerge that resonate profoundly with current healthcare trends: 1. **Emphasis on Mental & Physical Well-being:** Highlighting the importance of focus on recovery, Catherine's statement is a reminder of holistic health approaches being integral in modern medical practices. 2. **Community Support:** Her encouragement to others in similar battles emphasizes the growing recognition of community and peer support in patient care. 3. **Return to Normalcy:** Catherine’s enthusiasm about resuming her public duties mirrors the aspirational goals of many post-treatment patients, tying into broader discussions about reintegration and quality of life. As we applaud her courage, let’s foster a conversation on how we, as professionals, can further support individuals and families navigating such journeys. How is your organization contributing to cancer care, recovery efforts, and community support? 💬 **Share your experiences and insights below!** 💬
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MPN/chronic cancer, has humbled, healed, and baffled me. Continual progress of discovery, has taken my adulthood through a labyrinth of hurt and devistation. I have lived with the loneliness and fear, for two decades. Even longer, if you count loss of consciousness throughout my childhood. Unexplainable test results, were buried or explained away chalantly, with little concern. Time after time, I was disappointed, while discovering results, that were never addressed. I became empowered, to rise above any judgment or dismissal. I needed to dig hard for the truth. Many times, I requested hundreds of lab results, before a patient portal was ever available. Inner office memos, visit summaries, labs, findings,and records, reflected unimaginable things. The grandiose way, I was labeled as noncompliant and troubled was unacceptable. Along the way, I have had a solitary fight, of spiritual and physical discovery. I suffered, learned, and never stopped searching for something absolute. I have had an amazing, (yet small), group of drs, scientists, and specialists, with a flare for critical thinking, reflection, discovery, love, support, concern, and dedication. In a last ditch effort to be heard, I had to deliver my entire healthcare history, to one scientist. So much, knowledge and information was provided, with records/images of proof. Decades of knowledge, gave me a super power. Alas, I continue on my quest for truth. All the while, I am constantly learning. Listening without judgment, is something, we all need to do. Sensitivity and empathy, should be offered to all patients. 💫💫💫💫 Just remember, some of us seek to understand so the healing of self, might change humanity.
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Herefordshire - Helping people, businesses, communities achieve success. Creative Business Charity & Career Coach. Behavioural Development for Professionals, Business & Charity Managers. Qualified LIFO practitioner.
Herefordshire Men - Reflections after Father's day ? We are responsible and accountable for ourselves and our families. In looking after our business responsibilities we must NEVER forget to look after ourselves. Yet do we ever stand back and take time to check our health ? Why do so many men over the age of 50 in particular feel so surprised that they get diagnosed with Prostate Cancer ? Some 52,000 men a year get it. Of these, some 12% find out they have stage 3 or 4 - which is NOT GOOD NEWS. Worse still is that often it is awkward to share how we feel and release our emotions whilst we battle with the condition. And then our wives or partners suffer. SO WHAT ACTION WE HAVE TAKEN IN HEREFORDSHIRE ? We set up a new SUPPORT group for men to meet and chat. We set up access to some AWARENESS educational material on our web site. We set up a collaborative - not confrontational CAMPAIGNING relationship with medics. So if you live in this beautiful county, and have the condition, you can join in and help yourself and others. Partners can join too. The next event is in Hereford on the 27th June an some places are still available. See this web site please. How about thinking about taking an ACTION as Father's day passes which can help you perhaps live longer and more healthily for your wives, your family - and reduce the likelihood of interruptions to your working world !!!! https://lnkd.in/eTy9AHic
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Hey! Things need to change for Black women in the healthcare space! And they are, slowly but surely. Black women in the U.S. are 42% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. In Tidewater, Virginia, that grim statistic jumps to 60% more likely. For Virginia Mercury, I've covered how scientists and policymakers are working to close the gap. Medicaid expansion, guideline changes that promote early mammography screening, and new research by the American Cancer Society focused on Black women in Virginia can move the needle. https://lnkd.in/e6yPEhVy
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To ALL LOVELY LADIES and MOMs: BEWARE, BE EDUCATED and BE SCREENED!!!!!! 3D mammography is not enough to catch breast cancer EARLY for women with dense breasts, and we (patients, nurses, doctors, insurance companies) must stop pretending that it is. Until we give women with dense breasts the additional screening they deserve, Debbie's story will continue to occur. Read Debbie's entire blog from 2022 here: https://lnkd.in/dU9mxHVk Blog excerpt: "Since this diagnosis, which turned my world upside down, I had plans for retirement a few years down the road, and many other plans that may not happen now. I couldn’t understand how I could be Stage IV – I did everything right! How could this be? How long did I have cancer in my body for it to get to that stage? I was angry, depressed, scared, and numb. Rather than sit and wallow in ‘WHY ME’ I decided to get educated. I learned very quickly that I had been misinformed and received inadequate screening. I have dense breasts. I was told a 3D mammogram was sufficient. WRONG! I should have received other screenings to accompany it." #mydensitymattters #checkyourchart
Debbie's story matters. #MyStoryMatters We are so sad to share that Debbie, the author of this 2022 blog on our website, passed away this week. Her fear that she may not be able to do all she had so excitedly planned after her retirement turned out to be accurate. Our hearts goes out to her family and friends. 3D mammography is not enough for women with dense breasts, and we must stop pretending that it is. Until we give women with dense breasts the additional screening they deserve, this story will continue to occur. Blog excerpt: "Since this diagnosis, which turned my world upside down, I had plans for retirement a few years down the road, and many other plans that may not happen now. I couldn’t understand how I could be Stage IV – I did everything right! How could this be? How long did I have cancer in my body for it to get to that stage? I was angry, depressed, scared, and numb. Rather than sit and wallow in ‘WHY ME’ I decided to get educated. I learned very quickly that I had been misinformed and received inadequate screening. I have dense breasts. I was told a 3D mammogram was sufficient. WRONG! I should have received other screenings to accompany it." Read Debbie's entire blog from 2022 here: https://lnkd.in/dU9mxHVk #mydensitymattters #checkyourchart
Be The Change – My Density Matters
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