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METHODI ST HEALTHCARE
AND SARAH CANNON
FIGHTING CANCER
TOGETHER
Methodist Healthcare partners with the Sarah Cannon
Cancer Network to fight cancer and facilitate an integrated
approach to Methodist Healthcare’s oncology program
development for San Antonio and South Texas.
Sarah Cannon offers integrated cancer services with
convenient access to innovative therapies for those facing
cancer in communities across the United States and the
United Kingdom. By bringing together a network of re-
nowned cancer experts, Methodist Healthcare is collabo-
rating and sharing best practices with Sarah Cannon to
address every aspect of the cancer journey, beginning with
screening and diagnosis and continuing through treatment
and survivorship, so that patients can receive quality care
with improved outcomes.
As the need for cancer services grows throughout the
United States and the world, Methodist Healthcare has
recognized that quality cancer services can be provided
only as part of an integrated, comprehensive cancer ser-
vice line that is physician-led and patient-centric, including
as part of its offerings clinical research and multidisci-
plinary care.
Providing high-quality patient care and leading the mar-
ket with proven outcomes is a top priority for Methodist
Healthcare, and Sarah Cannon is providing us with the
additional tools and expertise needed to offer oncology
patients coordinated and cutting-edge treatment.
M e t h o d i s t H e a l t h c a r e
he National Cancer Institute estimates that about
70,000 adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 39 are
diagnosed with cancer each year. They face very dif-
ferent challenges than older adults with cancer. For
young survivors, cancer will affect their body image,
dating and romantic relationships, career goals, and life priorities.
Fertility and staying married through cancer treatment also are
concerns.
In 2006 Staci Snell was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at age 22.
After eight months of intensive chemotherapy and two years of maintenance, she is
now cancer-free.
Her doctors told her that she probably wouldn’t be able to have children as a result
of her cancer treatment. But in 2009 her obstetrician reviewed her blood work and
advised her and her husband that there were no issues that would prevent pregnancy.
Today, they are the proud parents of 4-year-old Peyton.
“I don’t want anybody to stop believing,” says Snell. “If we had stopped believing,
we never would have had our daughter.”
To help other young adults dealing with their cancer diagnosis, Snell has become
involved with iConnect, a support group sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society and Methodist Healthcare. She now serves as a resource and inspiration to
others.
Jennifer B. Carrera, LCSW, a cancer survivor and licensed clinical social worker
at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Healthcare Cancer Network, a Sarah Cannon
Partner, coordinates the monthly meetings of the iConnect support group. The mission
of the group is to increase awareness of the unique needs of young adults diagnosed
with cancer in San Antonio and South Texas. Each meeting is a chance for them to
share feelings and learn from each other how to live life beyond cancer. The support
group hosts a citywide awareness event each March,
“It’s a C Thing.”
The event is
tailored for young adults with cancer, and the next event is scheduled for March 5,
2016. It will feature Ethan Zohn, former soccer player, winner of the reality TV show
Survivor: Africa
, and cancer survivor.
For more information, visit
www.facebook.com/itsacthing.
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