- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAt eight months pregnant, first-time mother-to-be Jessi Collins began experiencing shortness of breath. After a trip to the ER, she learned she had a massive tumor near her lungs. After being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer in the lymph nodes, Jessi did the only thing she could do: Put her faith in the hands of her doctors. “I thought to myself, ‘This cannot be happening. I am 31 years old and 31 weeks pregnant. How can this be?’ It was very surreal,” says Jessi. “There were times when I was furious and said to myself, ‘This just isn’t fair.'” Read more about Jessi’s story and learn how her “miracle team” of doctors helped keep both her and her baby healthy.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNancy Noel says cancer may be the best thing that happened to her. “There’s life after cancer, and it’s not all about cancer,” says Nancy. “You’ll find you’re wanting to do things you never would’ve done. The disease motivates you to do.” After she completed treatment for a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer, Nancy and her husband took up storm chasing. “As we stare up into that swirling belly of the beast, I remind myself that it’s great to be alive.” Nancy also mentors women newly diagnosed with breast cancer through AAMC’s program, Survivors Offering Support (SOS). She helps guide women with breast cancer through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. SOS debuted at AAMC in 2004 and has since expanded to hospitals throughout the mid-Atlantic. The program pairs a newly diagnosed patient with a breast cancer survivor. The mentor provides support and encouragement from diagnosis through recovery. Read more about how a supportive team of peers and medical professionals can help women with breast cancer make personal treatment choices.
- Community, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBosom Buddies Charities celebrated its 10th anniversary with a $1.5 million milestone in support of Anne Arundel Medical Center at their 2016 Bosom Buddies Ball. Their time and commitment helps provide essential equipment and programs to treat breast cancer patients at AAMC’s Kent Island Breast Center and the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center at AAMC. Bosom Buddies has helped fund a nurse navigator position, a 3D biopsy machine, Spy Elite imaging equipment, portable ultrasound and digital mammography units. Bosom Buddies Charities members include breast cancer survivors and their friends and family. Through events like their annual Bosom Buddies Ball, Crabs for a Cure Feast and partnerships with other community organizations, they are successful in their mission to promote breast cancer awareness, encourage early detection, support treatment and celebrate healing. “As a breast cancer survivor myself, I’m excited to join forces with Bosom Buddies Charities to support their mission of early detection, as well as raise awareness of younger women being diagnosed,” says Elizabeth DeCesaris, vice chair of Bosom Buddies Charities. “I received so much support from our community when I was diagnosed and hope to help others through their journey.” The group is well into their planning for next year’s ball and events. Biana Arentz, chair of Bosom Buddies Charities, says, “Our 2017 Bosom Buddies Ball theme is ‘Maryland Against Breast Cancer,’ and we are excited that Governor Larry Hogan will join us to promote breast cancer awareness and paint Maryland pink.” Call the AAMC Foundation at 443-481-4747 to learn how you can help.
- PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, affecting nearly one in four people in the United States. It is thought to be responsible for more than 90 percent of anal and cervical cancers, about 70 percent of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and more than 60 percent of penile cancers. HPV is also linked to cancers of the throat and tongue. The HPV vaccine can prevent the infection and associated cancers and is recommended for all preteen boys and girls around age 11 to 12. The vaccine is given in a series of three shots, each a few months apart. Women who missed the vaccine as teens can receive the shot through age 26, and men through age 21. But the shot works best when given well before a person becomes sexually active. Some parents are hesitant about the vaccine because it raises the uncomfortable issue of their child’s sexuality — often before the onset of puberty. If you are hesitant about the vaccine, I encourage you to have an open conversation with your child’s doctor to have all of your questions answered. Author Dwight Fortier, MD, is a pediatrician at Annapolis Pediatrics, with offices in Annapolis, Severna Park and Crofton. To reach his office, call 410-263-6363.
- Behavioral Health, Community, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJohn and Jill DePaola of the Bo DePaola Family Foundation hosted the inaugural Bo’s Effort Golf Tournament at South River Country Club on May 23, 2016, in memory of their son Bo DePaola. It raised funds to support a behavioral health nurse navigator position for AAMC’s Pathways, outpatient mental health clinic and ER. As part of AAMC’s family-centered care, nurse navigators advocate for patients and their families. They remove barriers, coordinate activities to meet patients’ needs, and identify ways to improve the patient journey and enhance patient and family support during a complex diagnosis. “This was a tribute to our beautiful son, Bo, who left this life early but will continue in spirit to do great things for the community. He is doing his part to help other families who are going through the uncertainty of living with mental illness,” said John DePaola, Bo’s dad. Bo’s Effort’s mission is to break the stigma of mental illness with education and guidance. Through partnerships with Anne Arundel Medical Center, the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Anne Arundel County, and valued community partners, the event is raising awareness. Mark your calendars for the 2017 Bo’s Effort Golf Tournament on Monday, May 22.
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