Cancer
“Having cancer and going to the hospital 43 times was not something I looked forward to,” says a former patient. “As it turned out, the daily visits were pleasant because the staff became like family and really cared what happened to me. My doctor became my friend. He took time to answer questions, reassure me and make me comfortable. The Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross Hospital is a great facility with great staff and I had a great experience.”
Cancer is a disease that affects us all, whether directly or indirectly. Holy Cross Hospital’s cancer care is all-inclusive and compassionate, focusing on the patient and recovery.
Cancer Campaigns
Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross Hospital offers quality care in a compassionate and spiritual healing environment. Our disease specific approach and commitment to innovation make us South Florida’s leader in all aspects of diagnosis, treatment and cancer research. In addition, our collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center allows us to expand oncology services and provide additional advanced care to our patients in South Florida. Patients treated at our facility now have access to the cancer specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital as well. This disease is devastating, overwhelming and expensive, and has undoubtedly touched all of our lives directly or indirectly. Make a difference by making a donation today and help countless patients look forward to a cancer-free and healthy future.
Cancer Research
The Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center is committed to providing the absolute best care possible. Our growing research program offers hope for a cure by allowing our patients to access more than 25 current clinical trials for various cancers and allowing us to partner with national and international cancer experts on progressive treatments for them while they continue their care at home in South Florida. We are also now working together with Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center to provide South Florida residents with rapid access to specialized cancer care and genetic counseling. Cancer research studies are done to find out if new approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are safe and effective. Help us continue providing quality cancer care and potentially life saving research for our community by donating to Cancer Research today.
Breast Cancer
With three kids at home and no insurance, Michelle’s own healthcare fell by the wayside. At an obstetrician appointment for her fourth pregnancy, she voiced concern about a lump. Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer within two days of her biopsy at the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross. Chemotherapy and a mastectomy followed less than a month afterward. Although this was a very stressful time for Michelle, she says her doctor and the staff at Holy Cross were “wonderful with everything from dealing with the cancer to the care of the baby.” Charli was born a healthy baby girl at 38 weeks in September of 2010. Michelle continues with her treatment at Holy Cross and looks forward to her recovery. Michelle’s touching story is one of many breast cancer cases at our Cancer Center. According to the National Cancer Institute, in the U.S., breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in women. Each year, a small number of men are also diagnosed with breast cancer. At our Cancer Center we offer exemplary care from our expert physicians, patient navigators that help guide patients to necessary information, support groups and more. Make a difference in the lives of the people affected by breast cancer by making a donation today.
Colorectal Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in both men and women in the United States. Help the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center continue providing care and research to our patients and families affected by this disease by making a donation today.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than non-melanoma skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the U.S. according to the National Cancer Institute. At the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center we provide prostate cancer treatment, prevention, testing and free screenings for men age 35 or above. According to the American Cancer Society, “If prostate cancer is found during screening, your cancer will likely be at an early, more treatable stage than if no screening were done.” Help us continue this important work by making a donation today.
Technology
As part of the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center’s commitment to aggressively treat cancer while preserving patient quality of life, we offer the state-of-the-art Elekta Synergy® S. This is a radiation treatment system with an integrated 3D imaging system that allows physicians to more precisely target tumors with radiation beams. Elekta Synergy S provides unmatched clinical confidence to more aggressively treat tumors, lesions and malformations throughout the body, as well as sites in the brain, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Read more about it here and please consider making a donation designated toward this type of technological advancement for cancer care.
Infusion Technology
In order to treat many types of cancer, daily treatments of chemotherapy, blood transfusions, intravenous antibiotics and other medical injections are administered in bright and beautiful surroundings at the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center’s. Patients relax on recliners while watching a favorite television show or movie at a semi-private treatment station overlooking our flower garden. In addition pain and symptom management is offered to our patients to help alleviate some of the discomfort cancer treatments can sometimes cause. Help make this difficult experience more comforting for our cancer patients by donating to our infusion therapy department at the Cancer Center today.
Cancer Support and Resources
As part of our mission to heal the whole person, Holy Cross has an active and vibrant Spiritual and Palliative Care program. Utilizing the skills of our oncology-trained chaplain and our Oncology Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker we are able to utilize a continuum of care services for our patients. These advisors assist patients and their families through supportive family, individual and/or group counseling; help managing emotional distress; daily spiritual services; and an annual Celebration of Life luncheon. In addition, Patient Navigators at our Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center offer information on similar cases, tests, trials and area programs. They also identify resources for financial assistance, medication needs, home health care, insurance issues, transportation and other concerns. And guide patients through our extensive and updated on-site Cancer Library. These support services can have beneficial effects on treatment compliance, stress reduction, increased education and provides opportunity for healthy discussions regarding emotions for all affected by cancer. Aid those who need the encouragement and reinforcement during this difficult time by making a donation today.
Charity Care
Cancer has the highest economic costs of any disease in the world, according to a 2010 report from the American Cancer Society. Thanks to our sponsors, the Sisters of Mercy, Holy Cross and the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center will treat every patient regardless of their ability to pay. Our charity cancer care program allows us to treat patients who could otherwise not afford this type of healthcare. With your support, we can continue to care for these under or uninsured local patients and make an impact in their lives.
Complimentary Therapies
The Feldman Center for Optimal Health was founded to enhance patient care by integrating complementary therapies into the already excellent medical care provided at Holy Cross Hospital. For cancer patients, emphasizes the wellness and healing of the entire person in body, mind and spirit is extremely important. Some complementary therapies provided at the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center include Art and Pet Therapy and Sounds of Healing (which offers live, relaxing music in the Cancer Center lobby to soothe our patients and guests). Help us continue to care for patients as a whole with these complementary services by donating today.
Events
The Celebration of Life Luncheon, hosted by the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross, commemorates National Cancer Survivors Day. Administrators, doctors, nurses and associates join patients and their families for this occasion, including the annual candle lighting ceremony. To sponsor this annual June event that more than 300 people in attendance, please call 954-229-8562.