b'OverviewOutreach & Advocacy Patient AdvocatesThe Kidney Cancer Program at UT Southwestern is a world-class destination for cancer treatment. But thats only part of the story. Along with advancing discoveries and health for patients, we want to be known as a resource for information, advocacy, and support services for patients and their families.Community Outreach Patient Advocacy Support ServicesEducation and awareness are integralOur team of Patient Advocates serves aUT Southwestern offers numerous support parts of our mission. We routinely hostvital role as a liaison between the Kidneyservices for kidney cancer patients and tailored programs and special events thatCancer Program and the community, raisingfamilies, from rehabilitation specialists and Carole Baas, Ph.D., was educated as a biomedicalLarry Carlson was a stage 4 kidney cancer patientJrgen von Hvell, B.B.A., has supported his wife bring together patients, physicians, andawareness about the disease, helpingregistered dietitians to clinical psychol- engineer and is passionate about connecting patientswhen he came to UT Southwestern. He was enrolledthrough her battles with kidney cancer. He knows community thought leaders to discuss thefellow patients navigate the kidney cancerogists, patient care coordinators, andand members of the scientific community. A breastin the RADVAX trial and had a tremendous response.that strengthening the fighting spirit can be a factor. cancer survivor herself, she is active in cancer-relatedHe now volunteers in the clinic, helping to supportThankful to UT Southwestern for the ongoing care and most prevalent issues related to medicallandscape, and assisting program leader- financial counselors.patient advocacy groups affiliated with the Nationalother patients by offering a hopeful outlook.treatment of her disease, he volunteers his time giving innovation, treatment, and patient access toship in its mission to provide outstandingCancer Institute. hope to other patients and caregivers. quality care. and holistic patient care. Brenda Stinson, B.S.Ed., was diagnosed in 2016 withSophia Moschos, M.Ed., lost her husband, Tom,Anthony L. Towler, B.Sc., learned in 2011 that stage 1 kidney cancer and had surgery after a periodto renal cancer in 2012. With firsthand knowledgehe had large tumors, later identified as clear cell of surveillance. She embraces the opportunity to lendof the challenges that both patients and theirRCC, in both kidneys. Opting against surgery and an ear and a hand to others grappling with their owncaregivers face, she is deeply committed, in hera lifetime of dialysis, he receives ongoing care for cancer diagnoses.husbands memory, to helping others navigate theirstage 4 disease and is unwavering in aiding other cancer journeys. patients in the clinic. To find out more, please visitwww.utsouthwestern.edu/departments/kidney-cancer/patient-councilCOPING WITH A CANCER DIAGNOSISBY ANTHONY TOWLERThe diagnosis of any cancer can beThese challenges do not alwaysdirection by the doctor to heal the body, a traumatic event that can challenge apresent themselves to the same extentas well as psychological counseling and patients most fundamental beliefs aboutand complexity in all patients and theirsocial assistance from a social worker to life, themselves, and their future. It mayfamilies. However, for a majority ofease the mind, and spiritual advice from a even leave them feeling overwhelmedpatients, in order to cope with thesechaplain to soothe the soul. These facets and powerless. Cancer treatment itself isexperiences in living with cancer, theare held together with input from the vol-an unfamiliar and sometimes frighteningbody, mind, and soul have to be nurtured.unteers and Patient Advocates who are experience with many uncomfortableThis holistic approach within the clinicalpatients and caregivers themselves and side effects. setting may require the advice andwho help close the circle for total care.18 19'