Committed to the Health & Well-being of El Dorado County
SPRING 2015
Meet Max,
Cancer Program Therapy Dog
Cancer Care with a Community Approach
Cancer Center Expansion
Marshall, StemExpress and the Future of Medicine
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Did You Know
Treating Cancer as a Community Issue
Cancer Program and Cancer Resource Center use a family approach We believe that cancer is a community issue, and only by interacting with and supporting our community can we fully address it with the approach of HOPE. HEALING. HERE. When facing cancer, it can take over one’s life. Patients tend to be viewed through the lens of the disease—as only a patient. Yet people dealing with cancer remain whole people, and that’s the approach we take in treating cancer. Marshall Oncologist Lin Soe, MD is passionate about helping those who walk through our doors seeking treatment. “Our courageous patients experience the convenience of having a Lin Soe, MD, along with fellow hematologist/oncologist Rashmi certified and accredited cancer program Ramasubbaiah, MD, bring a personal, friendly touch to cancer treatment and are passionate about providing the best care in their own backyard, and our team possible to every patient that walks through the door. looks for the best resources to treat each patient,” Dr. Soe explains. “Unlike larger hospital systems, patients are like family to us! Some rare cancers must be treated elsewhere, and we understand our limitations in these circumstances as we look for the expert who is best qualified to treat their disease.” “We offer the latest and best technology and conveniences,” he continues. “Resources include an onsite infusion and treatment center, onside blood draws and close proximity to personal doctors. We are always looking for ways to help patients afford services with no patient being turned away due to finances. When appropriate, clinical trials are sought. In addition, our wonderful and caring nurses are an important resource as our patients trek through this very difficult time in their lives.”
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Facing cancer is a life-changing experience that provokes many questions. Through our community Cancer Program and the Cancer Resource Center, we offer invaluable opportunities for education and support. “Our staff, along with excellent physicians and technology, work together to provide the best experience possible,” says Wendy Goossen, director of Cancer Services at Marshall. The Cancer Resource Center, conveniently located near the medical office, provides many services, including:
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Patient navigators who provide education and care coordination Emotional support for patients, family, caregivers and friends Support groups and nutritional counseling Classes, including varied art therapy resources as well as make up and hair assistance – wigs, hats and scarves • No-cost/low cost mammogram program • Transportation assistance • Educational materials and special events. FOR YOUR HEALTH / www.marshallmedical.org
ABOUT MARSHALL MEDICAL CENTER Marshall Medical Center is an independent, nonprofit community healthcare provider located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. Marshall Medical Center includes Marshall Hospital, a fully accredited acute care facility with 113 beds located in Placerville; several outpatient facilities in Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Placerville and Georgetown; and many community health and education programs. Marshall has over 200 board-certified physicians and a team of over 1,500 employees providing quality healthcare services to more than 175,000 residents of El Dorado County.
For Your HEALTH is published as a community service by MARSHALL MEDICAL CENTER 1100 Marshall Way Placerville, CA 95667 telephone 530-622-1441 or 916-933-0913; www.marshallmedical.org It is intended to provide information about health in general as well as healthcare services and resources available in El Dorado County. Information comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. If you have questions, concerns or suggestions for future topics, contact the editor, Carrie Poggio, at (530) 626-2816 or via email at cpoggio@marshallmedical.org.
Making Changes
Cancer Patients Find Hope through Art & Community Events The IMAGES OF HOPE EL DORADO program supported by Marshall Foundation now provides art therapy for cancer patients and/or family members. This is supported through individual donations. This group sponsors two events, the White on White event in June, a representation of all cancers, and the Pink in the Night event for breast cancer awareness, in downtown Placerville in the fall. Pink in the Night originated as a grassroots effort organized by Cancer Resource Center Director Wendy Goossen when she became passionate about raising funds needed to advance the cause of Images of Hope. “We were so pleased that everyone wanted to participate to raise awareness of breast cancer and funding for the new art therapy classes.” The ever popular Mammo Man Contest takes place at Pink in the Night and was a huge success with 17 men dressed in pink raising needed funding for art therapy for our patients.
Classes provided through the Images of Hope program and the Cancer Resource Center give patients a creative outlet to help better deal with the stresses of a cancer fight.
Local attorney David Combellack raised the most for the cause during the month of October, and Rich Woodhead topped everyone’s one-night totals during Pink in the Night at the Placerville Arts and Wine Festival. Store-fronts decorated with strands of pink lights funded by Marshall Foundation for Community Health symbolized our community had united to fight breast cancer, a powerful statement of hope for those who had been touched by cancer.
Mammo Men, shown clockwise (Rick Lawton, Dr. Goldsmith, Mike Pettibone and David Combellack), go all out in pink to support a worthy cause, raising money for breast cancer awareness in El Dorado County.
For more details about Images of Hope El Dorado classes, call the Marshall Medical Community Resource Center at 530672-7050. Those seeking to support the art therapy programs may send donations to Marshall Foundation, P O Box 1996, Placerville, CA 95667 or online at www.marshallfound.org.
For more information about Marshall, visit www.marshallmedical.org or follow us on Facebook.com/ marshallmedicalcenter, twitter.com/MarshallMedical or Google+ Marshall Medical Center. www.marshallmedical.org / FOR YOUR HEALTH
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When asked why he decided to participate in the Mammo Man Contest, Woodhead explained, “My wife and I both lost our mothers to breast cancer when we were in our teens. I’ve also lost some of my siblings to cancer. Most of all, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, and now is a survivor. The staff at the Cancer Resource Center was fantastic in guiding us through the maze of feelings, concerns, and fears we were experiencing. Volunteering to be a Mammo Man was an opportunity to give back to such a fine organization.”
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Cover Story
Max’s owner, Wendy Goossen, is also the Cancer Resource Center director and takes a walk with Max and patient Peggy Romary.
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Marshall Cancer Program Growing by Leaps and Bounds 4
Canine companion gives warm welcome to patients; expanded Cancer Center on the horizon FOR YOUR HEALTH / www.marshallmedical.org
Having already endured breast cancer in her forties, Peggy discovered that she, as well as her son and daughter, all have the BRCA2 gene mutation (infamous for causing Angelina Jolie to opt for a radical mastectomy to prevent breast cancer). This mutation increases the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic and other cancers in people who have it.
Kevin Barri, President of Wells Fargo’s Foothills Community region, gets to know Max. Wells Fargo’s recent $10,000 donation toward Marshall’s Canine Companion program is a source of joy for all.
Peggy is now fighting inoperable pancreatic cancer with the help of Marshall Oncologist Rashmi Ramasubbaiah, MD and many people pulling for her. “All I felt was this twinge under my rib, but given my history it was tested, I was diagnosed and of course it was devastating. The tumor is wrapped around my aorta so surgery was not an option. I sought help at MD
Anderson cancer center, one of the best in the country, and they said I was looking at 6 months to live,” Peggy recalls. “That was over a year ago and I’m still here. The chemotherapy is doing its job and shrinking the tumor, and I can’t say enough positive things about the amazing care I am getting here at Marshall.” That care is now being enhanced by the addition of Max, a warm and furry bundle of therapy bringing smiles and love to the program and to patients. Wendy Goossen, director of the Cancer Resource Center, owns and oversees the development of Max, a hypoallergenic Labradoodle now nearing a year old. “He’s so sweet and darling, you can’t help but smile even on the tough days,” Peggy concludes.
Wells Fargo Gives Canine Companion Program a Boost Thanks to a generous grant to Marshall Foundation from Wells Fargo Bank, Max has a great start to his career at the Cancer Resource Center in Cameron Park. He is currently undergoing extensive service dog training, and will soon be available to visit patients at the Hematology/Oncology Clinic and Infusion Center, Marshall Medical Center, and various fundraisers and events throughout the year. Four-legged friends give that unconditional love, security, companionship and encouragement to those that need it the most. Research shows pets trigger a spike in endorphin levels –the feel good hormones– and decrease cortisol, linked to stress. We appreciate this wonderful gift from Wells Fargo, and we are thrilled Max will be a great resource for Marshall patients. The
Cancer Center Expanding—How to Help Marshall is currently renovating its upper Cameron Park campus to expand and consolidate all cancer services in one building. By consolidating the Cancer Program onto one campus, it allows Marshall to develop and enhance its cancer services to meet the future capacity needs of an expanding and aging population in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Your contributions to the Cancer Fund provide hope to individuals and families who seek compassionate care during their journey. If not for Marshall Foundation, many of these services would be unavailable locally. We invite you to join other donors in support as we continue growing and expanding today’s services to meet the needs of tomorrow. To make a gift or pledge to provide resources for our courageous patients through the new Cancer Center, go to www.marshallfound.org or call Executive Director Karen Good for assistance. The new Center is expected to open this summer, and gifts may be made in memory of a loved one, in honor of someone currently fighting the daily battle of cancer or to recognize a brave survivor. Thank you in advance for making a commitment to our community that will forever be remembered.
new Max Fund will support further needs of the canine companion program at Marshall to pave the way to further help our cancer patients. Donations for the program may be sent to Marshall Foundation – The MAX Fund, P O Box 1996, Placerville, CA 95667.
www.marshallmedical.org / FOR YOUR HEALTH
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To a person facing cancer, the simple and unconditional love and affection of an animal can make the difference between a good and bad day. Current Marshall cancer patient, Peggy Romary, featured on the front cover, knows too much about this topic.
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Foundation News
Grants That Care For People Marshall Foundation for Community Health 2015 Board of Trustees
Each year Marshall Foundation assists Marshall Medical Center and the healthcare community in providing grants for essential needs. Historically over the last decade, the needs that affect many of our residents are in the area of mental health and juvenile nutrition. The fight against these concerns continues as some of the most urgent challenges facing our community. In December, to help lessen this significant task, six Community Health Grants provided funding for programs that care for people:
Big Brothers Big Sisters
$5,000 - BBBS provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring one-to-one relationships through their Start Early program that changes lives for the better, forever. They serve ages 3-18 who are considered “at-risk” as a result of poverty, living in foster care, having an incarcerated parent, living in a single parent or guardian home, or those who may experience or may be subjected to factors contributing to mental illness.
CASA El Dorado
$4,380 – Funds are being used to fund 3 children for an entire year. 80% of children in foster care will meet the diagnostic criteria for at least one significant mental illness, but only 25% of these children will actually receive appropriate treatment for these illnesses if they don’t have a CASA—an
The Marshall Foundation Board of Trustees serves without compensation and spends countless hours of dedicated service each year to improve the health of our community, one life at a time. Pictured here, left to right: Back row: Brian Veerkamp, Kathy Witherow, Penny Lehrman, BSRN, Judy Morris, Andrea Howard, Judie Stewart, Bob Gillett, Daryl Warden; Front row: Debi Harlow, Marsha Jackson, Mary Meader, Maria Pasquale; Not shown: Bryan Phipps, Katherine Anastasi, Chad Wilkinson, Janie Esposito, George Nielsen
advocate for children without a voice in the court system.
Food Bank of El Dorado County
$5,000 – Through the Mobile Food Pantry program funds are being used to purchase nutritious fresh food products distributed to juveniles and their low income parents in the rural outreach distributions in communities all throughout El Dorado County.
Partners in Care
$10,000 - Partners in Care helps people with serious chronic or lifethreatening illnesses to improve their quality of life. Their goal is to resolve distressing symptoms and improve the health status for those whose condition can improve with better use of health care resources.
Marshall Cardiac Rehab Services
A 50 inch LED TV was funded to
provide presentations on depression, quality of life, stress level and stress management skills as mental health concerns are identified in the cardiac patient population assessment. Cardiac Rehab provides quality, comprehensive education and services by promoting heart healthy lifestyle habits in a supportive and caring manner.
Marshall Community Health Library
$1,345 – The Community Health Library provides the community with information on health and wellness, including mental health. Seminars in stress reduction to groups of Marshall employees and the public at Cameron Park and Placerville locations will be provided; CDs for each attendee to promote sustained coping routines are provided; and needed library resources have been purchased to be available to the public for free loan.
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New Providers
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Quenlyn Larson, CPNP, DNP Marshall Pediatrics 4341 Golden Center Drive, Bldg. A Placerville, CA 95667 530-626-1144
FOR YOUR HEALTH / www.marshallmedical.org
Steve Linde, FNP Divide Wellness Center 6065 Highway 193 Georgetown, CA 95634 530-333-2548
Jessica Santos, FNP Marshall Family Medicine 5137 Golden Foothill Parkway El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 916-933-8010
Better Care for You
Pioneering the Future of Medicine Marshall and StemExpress partner to advance life-saving medical research
Medical advances and breakthroughs are happening today at a breakneck pace, and the hub of it all is biomedical research. One local firm is on that leading edge. StemExpress is a multi-million dollar company headquartered in Placerville, which procures and isolates blood and tissue samples for bio medical research around the world. Founded in 2010 by CEO Cate Dyer, StemExpress has national reach and global impact. It’s now working with Marshall Medical on a number of important initiatives that will change and save lives. Already the partnership is delivering better care to some of Marshall’s patients through specific tests and procedures to which Stem Express has provided access. Much more is on the horizon, says StemExpress’ Cate Dyer. “Today we’re focusing on two fronts, the first is what we can do now to advance medicine and provide better care, yet equally important is the future research and ongoing breakthroughs our work can be a critical part of.”
cord blood to make a difference in the world but who aren’t able to bank it themselves due to the high cost of the service.” Cate explains that cord blood donations have a major impact on medical research that is already improving and benefitting human life. A bonus to the relationship between StemExpress and Marshall is that Marshall’s lab is now receiving blood samples sent to StemExpress from hospitals and universities nationwide, and is completing the necessary screening for infectious disease. Marshall CEO James Whipple says being able to provide the services demanded by this type of medical work is highly rewarding. “I think some people still think of Marshall as a little, basic hospital in the woods, but our work with Stem Express and the confidence they have placed in our capabilities speaks to the high quality medical services we can and do provide the community.”
On the horizon for Marshall and StemExpress is an exciting and Cate Dyer, founder and CEO of the multi-million dollar revolutionary cancer related bio-med company StemExpress, at her headquarters in treatment known as leukapheresis. the historic Fausel building in downtown Placerville. When a patient is to undergo chemotherapy, this FDA-approved procedure takes a “leukopak” or collection of the patient’s blood cells before they are affected by All this exciting and groundbreaking medical chemotherapy. The white cells and research requires blood and tissue samples. StemExpress believes in keeping things local stem cells are stored and then retoo, so they have a special offer for residents transfused to the patient following who have been diagnosed with cancer treatment to help restore the healthy (all stages), auto-immune and rheumatoid blood cells that chemo destroys, conditions like arthritis and lupus, and Crohn’s thus improving the patient’s health disease. For a simple blood or bone marrow Cate points to several programs donation to Stem Express, you can receive up and immune system. Cate says, to $250 for the donation. In 2014 StemExpress now underway that are already “This is a significant advancement provided over $150,000 in gift cards to donors seeing success with Marshall. For in cancer treatment and we hope in El Dorado County. These donations advance pregnant women who are older, to bring it to Marshall’s cancer life-saving research around the world and the recommended amniocentesis patients as soon as is feasible.” are not possible without donors. For more screening for genetic defects can be information or to make an appointment, Currently, the closest facility this is contact Stem Express at 530-303-3804 or visit a source of terrible trauma, with a available at is Stanford; efforts to stemexpressdonors.com. miscarriage and complication rate bring it to Marshall are occurring. that is more than a blip. Now, with an Advancements in prostate cancer introduction from StemExpress, Marshall patients are able to treatment are also being explored. receive instead a test called MaterniT21 by Sequenom, Inc., StemExpress and Marshall share a collective sense of purpose which is a simple blood test that virtually replaces the more and optimism about the work they are currently doing invasive and dangerous screening. together, as well as what the future holds. Also in the realm of maternity offerings, Marshall supplies “Stem cells and regenerative medicine are the future of StemExpress with all-important umbilical cord blood from medicine, and we’re doing that together, right here in El moms who aren’t going to bank it themselves. “This free Dorado County,” Cate says. service to patients is a huge win for moms who want their
Give a Little, Get a Little: StemExpress seeks donors
www.marshallmedical.org / FOR YOUR HEALTH
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