Healing Paws: Kim and Finn

Posted March 18th, 2016

Kim is a dedicated staff member of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia radiation oncology team. Kim is the first face the families coming for treatment see. They trust her implicitly. That is why Kim’s endorsement of Finn, the therapy dog, is so important. Kim is a self-proclaimed dog person, but can’t have a dog of […]

My First Colonoscopy, or How I Came to Appreciate Glacier Freeze – by Ellen Liebman

Posted March 10th, 2016

I’m 44 years old. I thought I had at least another 6 years to mentally prepare for my first colonoscopy. Instead I had about a month to wrap my head around what my mom had avoided until she was in her late 60’s. All I’d ever heard was how horrible it was – both the […]

The National Lymphedema Network: Advocating for the Lymphedema Community for 28 Years!

Posted March 4th, 2016

On March 6th, we recognize Lymphedema Awareness Day. What a perfect opportunity to highlight the National Lymphedema Network. This internationally recognized non-profit has been advocating for the lymphedema community for 28 years. We first met Saskia Thiadens, the organization’s founder, many years ago at an ASCO meeting. Her passion for providing education and guidance when […]

Healing Paws: Claire, Elise, Kim, Don and Finn

Posted February 9th, 2016

“Sissy, look. Doggie!” Elise brought her sister, Claire, over to meet Finn. Claire (age 4 ½) was still a bit groggy from anesthesia, but her interest and wonder in Finn was apparent. Finn first met Elise, who is the 23-month-old sister of Claire. Elise was drawn to Finn like a magnet. She squealed with delight […]

Understanding Proton Re-Irradiation

Posted January 28th, 2016

This webinar, presented by John Plastaras, MD, PhD, focuses on the use of proton therapy for re-irradiation (delivering radiation to the same field that was previously radiated). About the presenter John Plastaras, M.D., Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Penn Medicine. He is the Chief of the Lymphoma and […]

Healing Paws: Silverio, Ginetta and Finn

Posted January 26th, 2016

Silverio and Ginetta are from Montreal, Canada. Cancer has been part of their lives for some time. Silverio was first diagnosed over 5 years ago. He was doing well and had returned to his “normal” life when the cancer came back. He needed treatment he could only get in the US (proton therapy), so he […]

Healing Paws: Miriam, Monica and Finn

Posted December 23rd, 2015

Miriam and Monica are first year students at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice. As social workers in training, their studies are rigorous and coupled with 24 hours per week in field practice work. Miriam and Monica are completing their field work at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology. Since the beginning of […]

Healing Paws: Finn and Linda

Posted December 16th, 2015

Linda has been “hanging out” with Finn for the past four weeks. “I look forward to Thursdays when he is here. He takes my mind off why I’m here.” She and her husband have made it a habit to bring Finn special treats every week. They love to share affection and compassion with their furry […]

Healing Paws: Ron, Monica and Finn

Posted December 9th, 2015

As she sat in the waiting room, Monica was instantly draw to Finn. “I had a beagle named Heidi—he reminds me of her. He brings up great memories.” Visiting with Finn brought up positive memories for Monica. Her mood improved. Reminiscing about her own dog helped her cope with the stress she was currently facing. […]

Catherine and Finn

Posted December 1st, 2015

“Finn is a sweetie pie…the best thing since sliced cheese.” says Catherine as she gets closer for some snuggles before her radiation treatment. Pet therapy has been a surprising source of support for Catherine and her caregiver, Woody. Catherine describes Finn as comforting and distracting. “He gives me something else to think about—I also see […]