Today the
B Strong Ride warriors are riding to beat cancer. The annual ride benefits, in part, the BCH
Center for Integrative Care, which helps local cancer patients in our community navigate their recovery.
Here are a few of their success stories -- in their own words:
Evan Cantor, 60, Boulder, CO
“Wonderful addition to my health and healing”
In June 2011, Evan Cantor, of Boulder, CO, a retired artist, musician and
writer, was diagnosed with Stage 4 follicular lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin
cancer that affects the lymph nodes. After finding a lump growing on the
side of his neck, Cantor underwent six courses of chemotherapy and endured
several rounds of drug therapy.
“In the wake of the chemo, I took advantage of the offerings at the
Tebo Integrative Care Center,” Cantor said, “The financial program for cancer patients
and post-cancer patients made it possible for me to have acupuncture and
oncology massage treatments.” He explained the treatment was especially
valuable in treating painful nerve damage. “The Integrative Care
practitioners are professional and knowledgeable,” he said, “Their
treatments with lymphatic drainage massage and acupuncture with tuning
forks have been a wonderful addition to my health and healing.”
Rob Winter, 42, Longmont, CO
BCH Center for Integrative Care is “amazing care”
Advanced cancer was the last thing on Rob Winter’s mind when his
doctor diagnosed him 17 months ago with stage 4B colorectal cancer metastasized
to his liver and lungs. Winter, an information technology professional,
husband and father of three, was an avid cyclist before his diagnosis.
“Utilizing massage and acupuncture services during my journey with
stage IVb colorectal cancer, my body has remained strong and I finished
2016 with 5,340 miles on the bike for the year and 6,500 miles since being
diagnosed 17 months ago,” Winter said, “I couldn't have
done it without the amazing care I receive at the BCH Center of Integrative
Care!”
Marilyn Blake, 68, Westminster, CO
“Love heals … I am forever grateful”
In her own words: “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation
for the services I receive at the Center for Integrative Care of Boulder
Community Health. In February 2014, I was diagnosed with invasive breast
cancer. Treatment included chemo and radiation. My oncologist, Dr. Lori
Jensen, and surgeon, Dr. Susan Hagen, highly recommended services from
the Integrative Care Center. My massage therapist, Ann Simmons, and acupuncturist,
Kate, have nurtured my body and provided wonderful relief from neuropathy
(nerve pain). They have reduced my stress level and anxiety, especially
at times of heightened vulnerability. Not only do they “wake up”
my feet, they nurture my heart and my soul. Twice monthly, affordable
sessions with these kind and gentle therapists have been consistent evidence
of the belief that ‘love heals.’ They helped me have faith
in the recovery process and to believe in the incredible ability of my
body to heal! I am forever grateful.”
Marianne Billingsley, 55, Golden, CO
“I am so grateful and cancer free!”
In March 2015, Marianne Billingsley was diagnosed with Stage 3a breast
cancer with a 4 centimeter tumor that spread to her sentinel lymph node.
She began chemo and endured many symptoms and complications. She began
acupuncture treatments and massage with Center for Integrative Care professionals
Kate McBreen and Ann Simmons. “The acupuncture made a huge difference
in relieving pain, fatigue and hot flashes,” Billingsley said. “Ann’s
massage relieved pain and swelling in my arm…after my surgery,
a bilateral mastectomy, I continued massage with Ann to soften scar tissue
and for lymphedema treatment in my left arm.” Billingsley credits
the care she received from the Center for Integrative Care with accelerating
her treatment. “At each doctor appointment my surgeon and oncologist
were pleasantly surprised by how quickly and well I was healing. I believe
it was a direct result of the care I received from Kate and Ann. Their
dedication and ability are undeniable and played a huge role in my recovery…I
am so grateful and cancer free!”
Harry Reed, 82, Boulder, CO
“Skilled, easy to work with, smart and humorous”
In his own words: “I have benefitted greatly from the services I
have received at the Tebo Center for Integrative Care. I work with Ann
for massage and lymphedema therapy and Kate for acupuncture on alternate
weeks. They are skilled, easy to work with, smart and humorous. Both have
given me tips on diet and exercises to do on my own. Kate was especially
helpful in advising me about protein intake and brands. Ann educated me
on the management and control of the lymphedema in my legs and feet. I
would recommend the Integrative Care Center to anyone with the kind of
medical needs that introduced me to this center.”