Free oncology service to benefit cancer patients
People living with cancer, cancer survivors and their families in the Gunnison Valley are set to benefit from a free oncology
service now offered by Gunnison Valley Health (GVH).
Betsy Welsh, GVH’s oncology nurse navigator, knows first-hand what it is like to be diagnosed with cancer and is delighted to offer individualized guidance and support to all cancer patients in the Gunnison Valley and surrounding areas.
“At 15 years old, I was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkins lymphoma which left me feeling unsure how my junior year of high school would unfold,” said Welsh. “Surviving cancer, I knew that I wanted a career in oncology and to make a difference in the lives of people battling with cancer. Being able to work as an oncology nurse and offer free one-on-one services to those with a cancer diagnosis in this community is an absolute dream.”
After Curtrice Brown was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, she could not thank Welsh enough.
“Betsy has put me in touch with support networks and organizations, such as Living Journeys and Touch Enough to Wear Pink, who have provided much needed financial assistance and support,” Brown said. “I didn’t know they were available when I was diagnosed the first time.
“She’s my advocate,” Brown added. “It’s so nice to have someone who cares about my needs locally in the valley.”
GVH CEO Rob Santilli said the full-time dedicated resource could only be made possible thanks to a strong partnership
with local nonprofit Tough Enough to Wear Pink.
“We are very grateful for the passion and financial assistance from Heidi Sherratt and the team at Tough Enough to Wear Pink who have supported many initiatives including the cutting-edge 3D mammography machine,” said Santilli. “We believe this much needed service compliments our well established Cancer Care Center and positively benefits patients who can be treated locally rather than travelling to the bigger cities.”
For more information or to make an appointment with Welsh, call 970.642.4789.
Published Gunnison Country Times
February 22, 2018
