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Huntington Health to welcome Jinhee Jeannie Nguyen, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC as Chief Nurse Officer

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Huntington Health to welcome Jinhee Jeannie Nguyen, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC as Chief Nurse Officer

Jinhee Jeannie Nguyen, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
Jinhee Jeannie Nguyen, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC

Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai, has announced Jinhee Jeannie Nguyen, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, will be joining its executive management team in the role of Chief Nurse Officer (CNO), as of July 29, 2024.

“Jinhee’s passion for educational and leadership development has made her an ideal fit for this crucial role,” said Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and CEO, Huntington Health. “We are excited to welcome Jinhee to our executive leadership team and look forward to her playing a key role in driving excellence in nursing practice and patient care.”

Jinhee began her career in health care 32 years ago as a staff nurse in the emergency and trauma center of Los Angeles General Medical Center, and from there went on to work as a clinical nurse specialist in the emergency department at The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center. Jinhee joins Huntington with extensive experience in a non-profit health system from Adventist Health Glendale Medical Center, where she advanced professionally over the last twenty years across roles in nursing and quality leadership. She began as a nurse manager staff nurse in their emergency room, has served as Associate CNO and, most recently, Vice President and Patient Care Executive.

“As I was getting to know Dr. Morgan, members of the executive management team and the search committee, I felt deeply connected with Huntington’s mission, vision and values,” said Jinhee. “I look forward to meeting the nurses, physicians and employees who make Huntington a special place to work and receive care; and, as a Pasadena resident myself, it’s a true privilege to serve the community I also call home.”

Jinhee is especially drawn to Huntington’s Magnet Designation, and the significance it marks for excellence in nursing. “With a passion for developing nurse leaders, I’m looking forward to leveraging Magnet’s foundational framework of transformational leadership to grow emerging nurse leaders, who serve as the lynchpin for clinical excellence,” says Jinhee.

This spring, Jinhee received her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Johns Hopkins University, alongside her Master of Business Administration (MBA), with a specialization in health care management, innovation, and technology. Jinhee previously earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from UCSF, specializing in critical care and trauma, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from California State University, Los Angeles. Jinhee has also taught nursing at the UCSF School of Nursing and West Coast University.

Jinhee lives in Pasadena with her husband and two children.

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Cedars-Sinai physician works locally at Huntington Health, acts globally to provide care

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Cedars-Sinai physician works locally at Huntington Health, acts globally to provide care

Pasadena otolaryngologist, Karen Linnea Peterson, MD, FACS, with Huntington Health, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, recently traveled to Guatemala with the non-profit organization, Hospital de la Familia, to donate supplies and provide care for patients suffering from nasal, sinus, voice/throat and ear issues. Dr. Peterson specializes in thyroid/parathyroid surgery and voice/swallowing disorders. Together, with a team of caregivers, Dr. Peterson treated over 100 patients and performed 15 surgeries.

Headshot: Karen Linnea Peterson, MD, FACS,
Karen Linnea Peterson, MD, FACS

The trip was originally scheduled for October 2023, but was rescheduled to February 2024 due to civil unrest in the country related to elections. Two otolaryngologists (including Dr. Peterson), eight audiologists, two ophthalmologists and two ophthalmology residents with Hospital de la Familia made the journey to donate their time and expertise.

After flying into Guatemala City, the team traveled to the small mountain village of Nuevo Progreso, where Hospital de la Familia is located. Here, visiting medical specialists from the U.S. collaborate with local health care providers to render care to those in need. People travel from across the region for this expert care when specialists are in town.

Dr. Peterson and the team also brought much-needed supplies to the clinic. “Thanks to the support of Huntington Health, I was able to bring five duffels of donated equipment and supplies! These were much appreciated and quickly absorbed into the operating room,” said Dr. Peterson.

In Nuevo Progreso, Dr. Peterson and her colleague alternated between the clinic and operating room (OR) for several days, where they worked with Guatemalan physicians to care for patients. “The local physicians joined us in the clinic and rounded with us on post-operative patients. They triaged patients before the trip and then while we were there helped interface with the anesthesiologists to make sure patients were optimized for surgery or deferred for further workup,” she explained. The pair worked with local anesthesiologists and operating room staff. The audiology team worked alongside the otolaryngology team and also independently supported hearing needs.

Not only did the trip help numerous Guatemalans; it was a united front of care. “It was an amazing experience to be part of a collaborative, dedicated team working to provide optimal care with limited resources,” said Dr. Peterson.

Dr. Peterson has become part of a large group of Cedars-Sinai physicians who provide expert care to children and adults through non-profit organizations around the world. Here in Pasadena, Dr. Peterson cares for adult and pediatric patients who require thyroid, parathyroid, laryngology/voice surgery. To learn more about otolaryngology care at Huntington Health, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, click here.

Huntington Health celebrates Pride Month and its designation as a High Performer in the Healthcare Equality Index 2024

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Huntington Health celebrates Pride Month and its designation as a High Performer in the Healthcare Equality Index 2024

Huntington Health, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, was recently designated as a High Performer in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2024 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The HEI is the leading national benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and best practices in health care facilities.

“Huntington’s latest designation is a testament to our commitment to deliver equitable and inclusive high-quality care. It also shows our community that Huntington is committed to creating a safe place to receive care for everyone,” said Pamela Weatherspoon, vice president, enterprise, diversity, equity, inclusion, wellness & engagement.  

This recognition is welcomed news because according to a recent Center for American Progress survey, 30% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) respondents and 51% of transgender or non-binary respondents had negative experiences with health care clinicians, and more than 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ adults postponed health care treatment because of disrespect or discrimination by health care health care clinician.  

“The Healthcare Equality Index is helping people find facilities where welcoming policies and practices are the standard. We know that LGBTQ+ people – especially our trans family – continue to face discrimination in the doctor’s office. No one should have to put their health on the backburner for fear of mistreatment in a health care facility or by their doctor,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign.

Fortunately, health care is stepping up to provide this need. This year, 1,065 health care facilities nationwide participated in the assessment. The designation “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” was awarded to 384 facilities, and alongside Huntington, 462 others earned the designation “LGBTQ+ High Performer.”

Since 2007, the HRC Foundation has continually raised the bar to align with best practices for inclusive LGBTQ+ health care. In 2024, these rigorous criteria were assessed and scored:  

1. Non-Discrimination and Staff Training

2. Patient Services and Support

3. Employee Benefits and Policies

4. Patient and Community Engagement

5. Responsible Citizenship

To see Huntington’s assessment, visit its score card. To read the full 2024 report, visit the HEI website.

Senior Care Network: Celebrating 40 years of service to our community

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Senior Care Network: Celebrating 40 years of service to our community


Senior Care Network (SCN), founded in 1984, is celebrating 40 years of service to the San Gabriel Valley! Located on the Huntington Hospital campus, SCN is one of the few hospital-based programs in the country meeting the diverse needs of older adults, adults with disabilities and their families. SCN’s team includes social workers and public health nurses, as well as volunteers and students. To address social determinants of health, SCN also partners with physicians, mental health and community-based providers, and health plans. Together, the organization serves more than 15,000 community members annually with the ultimate goal of helping people age well and live safely in their homes. 

SCN assists in many ways, including supporting family caregivers, locating and arranging needed services, and giving advice about aging concerns. The organization has established itself locally and nationally to positively impact the health and well-being of adults in our community throughout the care continuum.

Senior Care Network is funded by a combination of public programs, community donations, and proceeds from Huntington Collection resale shop, enabling them to offer these free programs and support services:

  • 50+ Health Connection newsletter.
  • Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALW).
  • Caregiver support.
  • Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP).
  • A call-in community resource center with expert staff.
  • The Senior CareLine, a free telephone service to help seniors stay socially connected.
  • Support for all socioeconomic levels: Medicare, Medi-Cal, dual-eligible, homeless, middle-income and wealthy.
  • Support for language needs.

“We are so proud to celebrate 40 years of serving our community,” said Eileen Koons, MSW, ACSW, director, Senior Care Network. “Our dedicated team works closely with individuals and families every day, personally answering questions to help them navigate through the health-related challenges of aging. This personalized approach has supported thousands of older adults and people with disabilities to live safely and continue to thrive in the community.”


For more information about Senior Care Network, call  (800) 664-4664  or visit the Senior Care Network webpage.

At risk for stroke? Here’s what you need to know.

Posted on by Dorey Huston
At risk for stroke? Here’s what you need to know.

May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to learn about or brush up on symptoms, prevention and treatment of this life-threatening condition. In light of this, we’re sharing highlights from an informative talk neurologist Arbi Ohanian, MD, medical director of comprehensive stroke program at Huntington Health, gave on Senior Care Network’s Noon Hour about stroke, innovations in stroke care and its risk factors/prevention.

Stroke Stats

Dr. Ohanian shared some alarming stroke statistics*:

  • Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers from a stroke.
  • Annually, almost 800,000 strokes occur in the U.S. (i.e., 1 in 6 Americans).
  • It’s the leading cause of disability.
  • It’s the fifth leading cause of death.
  • About 90% of strokes are due to modifiable risk factors.
  • The risk of stroke increases after the age of 65.
  • Due to an aging population and obesity rates, stoke cases will double every decade, making stroke a public health crisis.

What Is a Stroke?

Dr. Ohanian described a stroke as “the plumbing of the brain going wrong,” and explained the two types of strokes that can occur: an ischemic stroke, where the “pipe” gets clogged, and a hemorrhagic stroke, where the “pipe” bursts. In medical terms, ischemic stroke, which is the most common type of stroke, occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow in an artery (in the neck or skull) that has been narrowed by cholesterol and plaque buildup. This prevents the brain from getting oxygen and nutrients. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding inside or around the brain, which damages brain cells.

He also mentioned another type of stroke condition called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which he referred to as “one of the most underappreciated conditions in medicine.” With TIA, a blood clot temporarily blocks a blood vessel, depriving the brain of oxygen and blood flow and briefly causing symptoms, like difficulty speaking. But then the blood clot breaks up, blood flow is reinstated, and the symptoms go away. “A lot of times, people will just ignore it. Unfortunately, that’s a very important finding,” he said. Telling a doctor about these symptoms can uncover conditions that could lead to a major stroke, like a narrowed carotid artery or atrial fibrillation (i.e., abnormal heartbeat). With this information, doctors can manage the condition and prevent a major stroke.

Time is Brain

What happens during a stroke? Each minute during a stroke, a patient loses about 2 million neurons,14 billion connections between nerve cells and about 7.5 miles of nerve cell fibers (the “wiring”). That is why doctor’s say, “Time is brain.” So immediate intervention is vital. 

The Symptoms of Stroke: BE FAST

The well-known acronym, BE FAST, spells out the abrupt onset of stroke symptoms and reminds us to seek medical help immediately. Dr. Ohanian broke them down:

Balance: Sudden loss of balance.
Eyes: Sudden vision loss.
Face: When asked to smile, one side of the face droops.
Arm: When asked to lift both arms, one arm drifts downward after lifting it or doesn’t raise at all.
Speech and language:  Slurred speech; difficulty speaking (can’t speak or sounds like gibberish); difficulty repeating a simple sentence (e.g., The sky is blue.); difficulty understanding communication.
Time:  Call 911 if someone has any of these symptoms.

What Treatments Are Available?

Up until 1990, hospitals had little to offer stroke patients other than aspirin, which was minimally effective. Today, hospitals have many treatments, and Huntington Health, which provides a Joint Commission certified comprehensive stroke center, can quickly treat patients with quality, higher-level interventions in an organized process. Here are possible treatments for stroke after a patient has undergone imaging:

  • Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA): A drug that dissolves blood clots; reopens 40% of arteries.
  • Retrievers: Devices that pull clots out of a blocked artery; reopens 85% of arteries.
  • Aspiration devices: Instruments that vacuum a clot out of a blocked artery; reopens 85% of arteries.      

Risk Factors and Prevention for Stroke

Strokes are highly preventable if the following risk-factors are mitigated or managed:

  • High blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol.
  • Smoking.
  • Atrial fibrillation.
  • Heavy alcohol use.

Along with eating a healthy diet, reducing alcohol and avoiding smoking, Dr. Ohanian shared one last important tip for stroke prevention: “Exercise is more effective than all the medications we give – just 30 minutes a day of brisk walking – if you do that, it goes a long way.”  

To learn more about stroke, click here.

*American Heart Association

Measles: What to do if you’re exposed

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Measles: What to do if you’re exposed

With the recently confirmed case of measles in Los Angeles County in early April, you may be wondering what you should do if you or a loved one is exposed. Measles is a highly infectious disease that appears as a rash and can become life-threatening for at-risk groups, including children younger than 5 years old and people who are pregnant or immunocompromised, so it’s important to know your measles facts. Not to mention, in the U.S. measles cases are on the rise: already 121 measles cases have been reported in 2024, which is higher than double the number of cases reported in 2023.

“The nationwide increase in measles cases is disturbing but we now have collective knowledge of how to respond to dangerous viruses,” says Kimberly Shriner, MD, FACP, medical director of infection prevention and control, Huntington Health. “Staying informed, using common sense techniques like handwashing and avoiding sick contacts, following vaccine guidelines for children and at-risk individuals and protecting our most vulnerable community members will help address this health threat.”

Measles symptoms

The County of Los Angeles Public Health (LAPH) lists the following as measles symptoms, which can appear 1-3 weeks after exposure:

  • High fever (higher than 101° F).
  • Cough.
  • Runny nose.
  • Red and watery eyes.
  • Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin.
  • Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness, typically starting on the face then spreading to the rest of the body.

Measles exposure

Measles spreads through the air through breath, talking, coughing or sneezing and can stay in the air and on surfaces for many hours. A person may become infected from inhaling the contaminated air or touching an infected surface, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. A person can spread the disease up to four days before or after a measles rash appears.

If you think you or a loved one has been exposed to measles, the first step is to contact your physician. This step is especially important for at-risk groups, those who’ve never had measles and/or those who’ve never received the measles vaccine because they are at risk for contracting measles after exposure. Your physician will review your medical records to determine if you are protected against measles.

Here are other important steps:

  • Monitor symptoms: look for a fever and/or an unexplained rash from 7-21 days after exposure.
  • If symptoms develop, quarantine and contact a doctor immediately for next steps. Do not enter a facility before alerting the office of measles exposure and symptoms.

Measles prevention

Measles can be prevented with a vaccine called the MMR or MMRV – both protecting against three diseases, measles, mumps and rubella, and the latter protecting against varicella, the disease commonly known as chickenpox. The vaccine is administered in two doses. According to the LAPH, two doses are 97% effective against measles and one dose is 93% effective. The LAPH also points out the spread of measles can be prevented if 95% of the community receives 2 doses of the vaccine.

If you suspect you have measles, please contact your physician immediately. To learn more about measles visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html or ph.lacounty.gov/measles

Huntington Health provides more than $161 million in community benefits

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Huntington Health provides more than $161 million in community benefits

As part of its non-profit mission, Huntington Health provides significant benefits to the communities it serves, often in the form of health education, outreach, and low or no-cost hospital care for the uninsured and those with limited means. Every year, Huntington Health submits the Annual Report and Plan for Community Benefit to the Department of Health Care Assessment and Information. In 2023, Huntington Health provided an estimated total of $161,549,349 worth of health care services and support to residents of the San Gabriel Valley and beyond.

“As the largest non-profit, health care institution in the San Gabriel Valley, we have an abiding commitment to improve the health and well-being of our community,” says Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and CEO, Huntington Health.” This community benefit report details the many ways Huntington Health, with support from our trusted community partners, enhances access to care throughout Pasadena and surrounding areas. I’m incredibly proud of these efforts.”

These community benefits include charity care for those patients unable to pay, as well as care expenses underwritten by the hospital that reflect the differences between the actual cost of the care and the amount of money received for patients covered by Medicare and/or Medi-Cal.

Community benefits support research, education and training, including clinical research, graduate medical education programs, scholarships, and continuing education in nursing and many other disciplines. It also directs benefits to the community-at-large, such as seniors, other vulnerable populations or the underserved, and those suffering from specific diseases (such as lung cancer).

“We are highly appreciative of the support provided by Huntington Health to the Pasadena Public Health Department’s Pasadena Outreach Response Team (PORT) program and our joint Community Health Needs Assessment of Greater Pasadena, in addition to the important role Huntington staff play in supporting community vaccination,” said Director of Public Health and Health Officer, Dr. Ying-Ying Goh. “This partnership provides support for our community’s health outside of the hospital, focusing on prevention and social drivers of health.”

Some highlights from the 2023 community benefits include:

  • 2,820 callers benefited from Senior Care Network (SCN) support and referrals
  • 2,572 community members received free Fentanyl and Narcan education
  • 1,681 free flu shots
  • 1,232 health screenings and counseling
  • 1,095 residents, interns and nursing students received education and training
  • 802 people with transportation assistance in the form of bus tokens and cab fares
  • 549 older community members participated in a virtual educational lecture series
  • 507 seniors received help to continue living safely in their homes.
  • 414 patients participated in cancer support groups
  • 357 people with lactation support post-discharge
  • 251 people with a six-week diabetes education series
  • 78 patients with discounted or free prescription medications

To learn more about this report and how Huntington supports the community, click here.

Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Huntington Health, Named to Becker’s “Women Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know” List

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Huntington Health, Named to Becker’s “Women Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know” List

Huntington Health, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, is pleased to announce that Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and CEO, Huntington Health, was recognized in Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2024 “Women hospital presidents and CEOs to know” list. Dr. Morgan was honored for creating programs that best support patient care, fostering relationships with physicians and improving financial performance.

Becker’s Healthcare believes that when women are at the helm, health care organizations benefit from diverse perspectives, enhanced patient experiences and improved health equity. This year, Becker’s Healthcare honored over 196 women executives for their dedication to bettering their organizations for patients and providers. The presidents and CEOs featured on this list have achieved this through growing their organizations, promoting positive workforce cultures, expanding services and facilities, increasing provider and patient satisfaction levels, and more.

The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list and curated it to highlight the great work of women presidents and CEOs from hospitals across the nation. To read Dr. Morgan’s accomplishments and other featured leaders, visit the Becker’s Hospital Review webpage.

How to prevent colorectal cancer

Posted on by Dorey Huston
How to prevent colorectal cancer
Peter Rosenberg, MD
Peter M. Rosenberg, MD, FACP

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and for good reason: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, every year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with CRC and more than 50,000 die. Race also is a factor: CRC death rates are 35% higher for Black Americans. And a recent study from the American Cancer Society found that “the proportion of newly diagnosed individuals who were younger than 55 years has almost doubled, from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019.”[1]

Luckily, we can stop this disease from taking lives through early detection and prevention. Peter M. Rosenberg, MD, FACP, chief of medical staff, agrees: “Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer. Screening is essential to catching this disease early and saving lives.” Here are some critical steps Dr. Rosenberg recommends: 

  • Get screened at age 45: Screening – whether it’s an at-home, stool-based test or a colonoscopy – can detect warning signs of CRC, which can jumpstart preventative measures like removing polyps (a precursor to cancer). Screening can also detect CRC early, which increases treatment efficacy. Any positive result of a stool-based test must be followed up with a colonoscopy, which is the most sensitive test for CRC and precancerous polyps. Getting a high-quality colonoscopy is of the utmost importance. Only by meticulous examination of the colon can all precancerous lesions be detected and cancer be prevented. Patients should ask their gastroenterologist whether they track their polyp detection rate, and if so, what that rate is. If the rate is less than 25%, that may be a red flag that their colonoscopies are of lower quality.
  • Know your family history: A high-risk family history for CRC is defined as either one first-degree relative (parent, child, sibling) was diagnosed with CRC or an advanced precancerous polyp before the age of 60, or more than one first-degree relative was diagnosed at any age. About 1 in 4 CRC patients have a high-risk family history. People with a high-risk family history should get screened at age 40 or 10 years before the youngest case in their immediate family, whichever is earlier.
  • Eat well: A diet high in vegetables, fruits and other plant foods has been associated with decreased risk for CRC. Consumption of red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs, ham, bacon, sausages, cold cuts) has been associated with increased risk for CRC. Limit red meat to 18 ounces per week or less. Avoid processed meats (even low consumption increases cancer risk).
  • Exercise: Physical activity (i.e., 30-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous movement per day) can reduce CRC risk by 30-40%. 
  • Maintain a healthy body weight: People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop colon polyps.
  • Avoid alcohol and cigarettes: According to the National Cancer Institute, people who regularly drink 3.5 drinks per day have 1.5 times the risk of developing CRC compared to nondrinkers/occasional drinkers. Long-term cigarette smoking also increases risk of CRC.
  • Know the symptoms of CRC: People experiencing CRC symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, weakness/fatigue, or a change in stool or bowel habits should contact their doctor immediately.

The takeaway: CRC is preventable and easily treatable if caught early. That’s why screening is at the top of the list: It’s the No. 1 way to prevent CRC. If you are 45 years or older or have a high-risk family history, ask your doctor what screening options are best for you. Go to www.ccalliance.org for more information about CRC.

[1] https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3322/caac.21772

Local woman shares story of colorectal cancer diagnosis, treatment and care

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Local woman shares story of colorectal cancer diagnosis, treatment and care

Having received a lupus and rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis at the young age of 16, Michelle Usher was no stranger to doctor visits and medical tests. When she started to feel increasingly fatigued and exhausted towards the end of 2022, she did not think anything of it, until a routine blood test indicated she was anemic. Michelle’s primary care doctor recommended she undergo testing to figure out why and referred her to a gastroenterologist.

When a diagnostic colonoscopy revealed Michelle had stage 2 colon cancer, she was understandably discouraged. “I’ve been through so much health wise,” she says, “so finding out I had cancer on top of everything else was very difficult.”

Michelle was immediately referred by the doctor who performed the colonoscopy to Huntington Health, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, colorectal surgeon Juliane Golan, MD, for cancer care. Dr. Golan performed a procedure here to remove the cancerous section of her colon. The surgery was successful and confirmed that the cancer had not spread. Michelle was able to go home the next day to start the recovery process.

“Patients like Michelle benefit from Huntington Cancer Center’s renowned and trusted physicians who deliver excellent care to help them fight cancer — from diagnosis to treatment and recovery,” says Howard Kaufman, MD, regional medical director, Huntington Cancer Center and medical director, surgical services, Huntington Health. “Our high-quality cancer and colorectal surgery program offer comprehensive and compassionate care focused on saving lives and improving quality of life.”

While resting at home, Michelle read books about other people’s journeys with cancer as a source of comfort and inspiration. When it was determined that she would not need chemotherapy or radiation, she was relieved. “I had started to look for headscarves online in case I was going to lose my hair,” says Michelle. “I was very happy that I didn’t have to go through that and that surgery was all I needed.” Today, Michelle is cancer free and back to her regular routine and diet. “I can paint, draw, read and go to church again because I have my energy back.”

Michelle is grateful to her care team for helping shift her perspective and attitude. “Dr. Golan encouraged me to be positive,” she says. “She explained things to me in a way I could understand. She has a kind spirit and a good bedside manner. If she wasn’t my doctor, I would want her to be my friend.” Michelle also felt immense support from Huntington Cancer Center, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, nurse navigator Saskia Koomen, RN. Michelle notes that Saskia was very responsive to all her questions about what to expect during recovery, like what foods to eat. “Saskia checked in on me a lot to make sure I was OK and had everything I needed to recover,” says Michelle.

When reflecting on her time as a patient at Huntington Hospital, Michelle feels like the care she received was top notch. “It didn’t feel like a hospital and I’m so thankful for receiving such great and gentle care.” Her treatment experience here has given her a different outlook on life. “Now, I live more in the moment and let the small stuff go more easily than I used to,” she says. Gaining this new outlook on life has also brought hope and excitement to her life: Michelle recently got engaged and is getting married next month.

“I didn’t give up and now have this amazing next chapter in my life to look forward to and celebrate,” says Michelle. “My care team at Huntington gave me that. It is the best wedding gift, and I will cherish it always.”

Did you know March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month? Schedule your screening colonoscopy because early cancer detection saves lives.

Learn more about colorectal surgery at Huntington Health and Huntington Cancer Center, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer.