In honor of National Women’s History Month, Meals to Heal would like to recognize some of the women in the field of oncology whose tireless efforts to improve the lives of cancer patients inspire us daily. In no particular order, we salute:
Lise Alschuler and Karolyn Gazella. The “Lise and Karolyn” team are committed to educating cancer patients on safe, evidence-based integrative cancer care. Lise is a naturopathic oncologist and Karolyn is a cancer survivor. Their two books include Definitive Guide to Cancer: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment and Healing and Five to Thrive: Your Cutting-Edge Cancer Prevention Plan. In addition, their radio show, Five to Thrive, airs daily Monday through Friday on http://w4cs.com/about-w4cs-radio/w4cs-radio-shows/five-to-thrive-live/ @fivetothrive
Barrie Cassileth, PhD, Chief, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Barrie has worked in alternative and complementary (integrative) medicine and the psychosocial aspects of cancer care for more than 25 years and founded the Integrative Medicine Service at MSKCC. Barrie is one of the leading voices in bringing a wide range of supportive care services to cancer patients and in ensuring that the evidence-based standard is adhered to in all aspects of integrative care.
Coleen Doyle, MPH, RD. Coleen is the Director of Nutrition and Physical Activity at the American Cancer Society. She is one of the leading voices in the world of cancer nutrition and has done so much to advance the role of nutrition in cancer treatment.
Diana Dyer, MS, RD. Diana is a three time cancer survivor and author of a great patient-focused book, A Dietitan’s Cancer Story. She writes a terrific cancer nutrition blog as well. http://www.dianadyer.com
Suleika Jaouad. Suleika writes a blog for the New York Times chronicling her cancer treatment. The blog is raw and real and puts the human story front and center. When so much of what we read is clinical and void of emotion, Suleika steps in and puts a very human face on a very human experience. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/author/suleika-jaouad/ @suleikajaouad
Rebecca Katz. Rebecca is a chef, author, educator and culinary translator. Her cancer fighting cookbooks contain delicious, easy to prepare recipes that are simply yummy. Books include The Longevity Kitchen, The Cancer Fighting Kitchen and One Bite at a Time. http://rebeccakatz.com @rebeccakatzyum
Mailet Lopez, founder of I Had Cancer, a cancer support network for cancer survivors, fighters, and their supporters/caregivers. Providing help via online cancer support groups. Mailet is a cancer survivor and advocate with an upbeat, can do attitude. http://www.ihadcancer.com/our-story @mailet
Julie Silver, M.D., a cancer survivor, physician and the founder of Oncology Rehab Partners/STAR Program whose mission is to advance survivorship care by making evidence-based cancer rehabilitation the standard of care for survivors. They provide healthcare professionals and institutions with the tools needed to develop and deliver quality cancer rehabilitation services to the millions of survivors throughout the world. http://juliesilvermd.com @juliesilvermd
Elizabeth Thompson, M.D. Elizabeth created Best Friends For Life, BFFL, which makes cute bags filled with practical and helpful items for post-masectomy, post-childbirth, post-prostate surgery and other post-surgical patients. Elizabeth combines her medical expertise with a savvy business sense and caring attitude. http://www.bfflco.com @bfflco
Melanie Young. Melanie is a cancer survivor and advocate. She writes the blog Getting Things Off My Chest, which offers words of wisdom for patients, survivors and others. Her desire to help breast cancer patients is being channeled into a new book that we can’t wait to read! http://www.theconnectedtable.com @mightymelanie
Oh my, I am touched beyond words, in fact, I am touched with tears in my eyes for being included on this list along with all these other amazing women who have done so much to serve cancer survivors. Thanks for all you do to also bring help and hope to people who have experienced the chilling effect of hearing the words ‘you have cancer’.
I am truly honored to be included in this group of women. I have been so lucky to have gotten to know several of them as I have built my business. Thank you so much and keep up the great work with meals-to-heal