Pottstown Hospital Recognizes Cancer Survivors And Caregivers

Press release from TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce:

November 04, 2020

Every year, the Pottstown Hospital Cancer Center hosts an annual National Cancer Survivors’ Day Celebration where hundreds of survivors and their families gather to recognize the strength and courage each survivor possesses to fight cancer.
“Pottstown Hospital looks forward to this event every year as it honors the bravery and determination of our incredible patients and their caregivers,” said Pottstown Hospital President and CEO Richard Newell, MPT, DPT. “It is a privilege to care for these individuals and to get to know them and their families.”
For more than 30 years, annual Cancer Survivor Courage & Caregiver Awards were presented to both a survivor and a caregiver at this annual event. While the event could not be held in person this year, the Hospital hosted a socially distant ceremony to honor its 2020 award winners.

POTTSTOWN HOSPITAL CANCER SURVIVOR COURAGE & CAREGIVER AWARD Winners:

CAREGIVER AWARD: Sue Stender
Barbara Membrino was accompanied by her loving daughter, Sue, every day for treatment. She got her in and out of the car, sat aside her, advocated for her needs, ensured she was hearing the staff, assisted the staff with transitioning Barbara, and usually placed a comforting h and on her arm when she showed signs of being upset or uncomfortable.
Sue never sat with idle hands and shared the talent of her crafts with the staff and radiated grace, concern, and love for her mother and others while in the radiation department. It comforted the staff to know that Barbara received exceptional care at home, and without a doubt, the burden of her cancer journey had been lifted due to the amazing support of her caregiver, daughter, and friend.

SURVIVOR COURAGE AWARD: Colleen Haines
Colleen had every reason to be scared, anxious, and discouraged with her diagnosis of cancer at such a young age. As a wife, mother, and full-time paramedic, the overwhelming news and fear of the unknown could be crippling to most, but it never was for Colleen. She faced cancer head on with confidence and continued living the abundant life she aspires to live.
As a frontline hero during COVID-19, one could attribute her braveness to her profession, but she was beyond brave. What stood out to the radiation oncology staff was Colleen’s determination to be a fighter from the beginning. She was determined to overcome her fears and she continued to express gratitude during a time when it is so easy to feel victimized and defeated.

CAREGIVER AWARD: Sue Slezak
Our Caregiver of the Year 2020 is Sue; wife to Michael, who has been a patient of Pottstown Hospital Cancer Center for several years. Throughout that time, she would attend appointments to go over new results, chemotherapy, IV hydration, and lab work. She is always smiling, encouraging and upbeat for Michael, the staff and other patients.
During COVID-19, the visitor restrictions would not allow her to enter the hospital during Michael’s appointments. Sue made sure that Michael got into the hospital safely and then wait in the car until he was done. This was not always the most comfortable in the heat of summer. We have known them both so long that they have become part of the Pottstown Hospital family.

SURVIVOR COURAGE AWARD: Emily H.
Emily was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 25. No one at this age should have to deal with this diagnosis, but Emily accepted this diagnosis and took it head on. Always saying, “Tell me what I need to do, and I’ll do it.” And that’s exactly what she did!
Emily never missed a chemo treatment even during the height of COVID-19 and unable to have anyone from her family by her side.
The courage she has shown throughout this entire journey is to be applauded. Courage is different for everyone, it doesn’t always roar and sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” You have shown each of us how to “carry on,” no matter what life hands you!
“At the Pottstown Hospital Cancer Center, our patients and their caregivers are inspirations to us all,” said Peggy Neese, BSN, RN, OCN, Director, Pottstown Hospital Cancer Center. “We are privileged to have been a part of Sue, Colleen, Sue and Emily’s journeys as they cared for a loved one with cancer or fought the disease themselves. It is an honor to be able to recognize these amazing women for their unwavering strength and determination through it all. The bonds our staff and providers have formed with these patients and caregivers will last a lifetime.”

About Pottstown Hospital:
Located in Pottstown, Pa., and a member of Tower Health, Pottstown Hospital is a 232-bed, acute care facility that offers a full range of health services, including inpatient and outpatient, medical and surgical, and diagnostic and emergency care. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Pottstown Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across many service lines. The Hospital is Joint Commission-certified for hip and knee replacement and is also an accredited Chest Pain Center. Recently, Pottstown Hospital was recognized as a recipient of the 2020 Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus & Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Award by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

The Cancer Center at Pottstown Hospital is also nationally recognized, bringing over a decade of award-winning care to our region. The Pottstown Hospital Emergency Department, a Primary Stroke Center, is the second busiest in Montgomery County, seeing more than 45,000 patients a year. For more information, visit pottstown.towerhealth.org.

This press release was produced by TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.