"When I first heard the words “you have cancer” a curtain of dread descended upon me. But that curtain lifted immediately after I met with the skilled professionals at Scully Welsh Cancer Center. My surgeon was first class! My after care was expertly orchestrated by my onocologist and nurse navigator. The radiology department worked as a fine-tuned machine. I am cancer free."
Barbara Lowry
"From diagnosis to surgery and beyond, the team of dedicated professionals at the Scully Welsh Center has provided me with state-of-the-art expertise, compassion, and support in my journey through breast cancer. I am beyond grateful to be in their care!” Grand Harbor Resident, January 2023
" I am writing to thank you for providing the DigniCap program to the Scully Welsh Cancer Center. I am one of your beneficiaries and I want you to know how grateful I am for your kindness in targeting a specific need - hair loss for chemo patients. If you ever passed an errant mirror and stopped to adjust your collar, push a strand of hair behind your ear, check for lipstick on your teeth or make sure you are smiling, you know what it must be like for a cancer patient who lost the hair on her head. When I glance in a mirror or look in one purposely I am not constantly reminded I am undergoing treatment for cancer. I am one of the lucky ones who ( so far at least) has not felt too burdened by the other side effects of chemo and you have given me the chance to carry on my life as usual. Thank you. Thank you, too, for the response of family, friends and even complete strangers who when they see me are not aware that they should treat me with kid gloves or always ask me how I am feeling or can they do anything for me. To be allowed to lead as normal a life as possible while having my life otherwise controlled by the medical profession is a huge boost to my recovery. And I have Answer to Cancer to thank for that.
Janet Carroll
"We have been involved with the Cancer Center through the “Answer to Cancer” golf tournament at Grand Harbor over the past several years. We’ve always been impressed with the presentations given by principals from Indian River Hospital on those occasions and have been reassured of the professionalism that exists right here in our community of Vero Beach. We also have dear friends, Carole and Don Casey, who are testimony to the incredible care given by the Cancer Center.Then the moment occurred when we needed personally to turn to the Indian River Cancer Center. Jim was diagnosed with colon cancer last fall when we were home by physicians at the Upstate Cancer Center of the State University of New York. Lucky us that we winter in Vero Beach. We thought immediately of Dr. Stephen Patterson and all of Jim’s diagnostic material was sent to him. That’s when we learned second opinions are welcome, doctors working together for the best outcome. Jim’s comment on the Cancer Center where he is receiving chemo therapy: “When I walk through the doors of the Cancer Center, I feel as if I am coming home. Our nurse navigator, Sandra Webster, knows my needs. Everyone, the receptionists, the technicians, the nurses, the doctors are warm, welcoming, reassuring and professional. I feel secure.” It is obvious that things at the Center are “state of the art.” We count our blessings that the Indian River Cancer Center is in our back yard!"
Nancy & Jim Marquardt
"My chemotherapy and radiation treatment were made tolerable thanks to the top-notch facilities and staff of the Scully Welsh Cancer Center. We always supported Answer to Cancer, but I never knew how important those contributions were to those who suffer with cancer until I was diagnosed with it in January, 2017. On my very first chemo treatment I was cold and asked for a blanket. A warm blanket was provided from the heated case furnished by Answer to Cancer. Contributions to this cause are turned into actionable support for cancer patients. Thank you Scully Welsh and thank you Answer to Cancer!"
Patti Gammino
My name is Linda Kofoed and I was diagnosed with HER2+ Breast Cancer the end of May 2018. I was told one of my chemo cocktails would include Taxol - whose side effect is 100% loss of hair. I just remember saying there must be another way.
My mother had already lost one daughter to the same cancer and my daughter was getting married the following spring. For me I needed friends and family to see my story, not my sisters. I needed my hair.
My Oncologist gave us some brochures and told us about a therapy that could help me keep my hair. It was a cap that you would wear during treatments that kept your head very cold which would make the chemo not attach to the hair follicles. It was a commitment 30 minutes before treatment started and 90 minutes after - and it isn’t covered by insur- ance. And it came with its own set of rules - wash gently once a week, no pulling your hair back etc.
If you know me my hair is always in a clip but after reading about it, I was all in. For me keeping my hair was part of the armor I would need to fight this cancer. I am very thankful that this product is available, I was able to walk around and not be looked at or whispered about when I walked by. It was one less thing to worry about during treatment.
There is something about looking in the mirror when you are not 100% - seeing your reflection makes you feel like you’ve got this, and Cancer isn’t going to win today.
Linda Kofoed