Hartford Business Journal

26 Hartford Business Journal • October 29, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com 26 Hartford Business Journal • October 29, 2018 www.HartfordBusiness.com SPONSORED CONTENT Clinicians at Saint Francis recognize that the challenge of fighting a cancer diagnosis is intensive. That diagnosis often brings many trips to and from a cancer- treatment facility. The cancer program at Saint Francis has made strides to reduce the additional hardship of excessive traveling to get to the very best treatments. A new infusion center was recently opened in Glastonbury, and services in Enfield were enhanced and expanded to include radiation oncology. Both the Enfield and Glastonbury satellites bring a network of oncology care to patients in the Greater Hartford region in a more direct way, said Boruchov — which is just as it should be. "The new radiation oncology center in Enfield is complete with state-of-the-art equipment and imaging software," said Boruchov. He added, "This is about bringing the highest level of technical expertise and treatment modalities to the patients, closer to home. It's bringing care and expertise to the local communities — patient-centered care with a very personal touch." Community support Another critical piece of Saint Francis' coordinative team approach is the relationship between the clinical team, the Saint Francis Foundation and its generous, loyal donors. The new Glastonbury Infusion Center is a prime example. Thanks to a sizeable donation from Savings Bank of Manchester, the center has become a key component to expanding cancer care services to patients east of the Connecticut River. The hospital's Hope & Healing Campaign raises funds to expand, enhance and renovate cancer services. Three million dollars of the money raised in the campaign went directly toward the extensive renovations of the inpatient oncology pavilion, making the unit truly a state-of-the art space of healing — with homelike private rooms, accommodations for visitors and common space for activities like art therapy and yoga. An integrative medicine suite for practices like massage and acupuncture is part of the peaceful atmosphere. Wrap-around care The new survivorship program is another example of the hospital's experts working to offer more resources and support to their patients and families at all stages of the disease. The program will provide information on wellness, prevention and the latest research — with expert team members who are in tune with the special concerns of a patient who has been deemed cancer free. "A cancer diagnosis brings worry and emotion, even after a patient is considered free from the disease. The new survivorship program is a way to transition a patient from active chemo to the rest of their lives," said Boruchov. "There is always concern for diseases coming back. It's our job to keep a close watch and maintain our relationship with our patients, even after their treatment plan is complete." The Survivorship Program is not a new concept at Saint Francis, however, as the cancer center has hosted an annual Survivorship Day celebration for the past five years. This past summer, hundreds of cancer survivors gathered at Dunkin Donuts Park for a Hartford Yard Goats game. The night included a cancer survivors' pre- game parade, awards, survivors holding the American flag during the national anthem, as well as a survivor throwing out the first pitch, all celebrating their individual cancer journeys. The survivorship program is tailored to each patient, taking factors like their age and the kind of cancer with which they were diagnosed into consideration, offering customized support and resources, Boruchov said. "We treat survivors like we treat our patients," he said, "with full-coverage care and comprehensive, wrap-around services. We treat their mind and body." ● Pictured above, the Savings Bank of Manchester Charitable Foundation's welcome pavilion in the new Glastonbury Infusion Center. Located at 31 Sycamore Commons, the center is a state-of-the-art facility offering a full spectrum of treatments for oncology and infusion-related care, appointments with the Saint Francis oncology team, as well as radiology and laboratory services. Members of the Smilow Cancer Hospital Yale-New Haven at Saint Francis research team.

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