Chemotherapy is a necessary and effective treatment for many with cancer. But the side effects of the powerful medications are intimidating. Donor gifts help patients like Theresia DiPasqua deal with lingering side effects even after treatment ends.

“It was miserable,” Theresia says. “I suffered from terrible leg cramps. They were very painful. Different from, say, a Charlie Horse, in that they would take an incredibly long time for the pain to go away with heat and ice packs.”

Theresia contacted The Cullather Quality of Life Center at Bon Secours — St. Mary’s Hospital for help. Thanks to donor support, The Cullather Center offers cancer patients access to therapies like massage, meditation, yoga, and music therapy — resources that bring comfort and strength during a difficult time.

Nurses at the Center recommended that Theresia try acupuncture to ease the pain in her legs.

“It was a wonderful fit,” she says. “These side effects can be really hard to deal with, but I had Instant relief.”

Theresia is now five years past her lung cancer diagnosis with a clear scan. Her side effects remain, but now she has a way to combat them. She is grateful that donor support of The Cullather Quality of Life Center means it is still there for her.

“I’ve received wonderful care from so many doctors. I’m doing okay,” she says. “I would not be doing this well without having so much help from The Cullather Center.”