The Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center provides hope for all who hear the words, “You have cancer.” All non-medical services offered by the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center are free to ALL patients and their families regardless of where they receive their direct medical care. From diagnosis to survivorship, patients may come to the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center for the following services:
The nurse navigator is the cornerstone of the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center. Nurse navigators partner with patients and families during the course of diagnosis, treatment and healing by becoming an advocate, guide and facilitator. Because the treatment of cancer requires the interaction of multiple specialties, the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center provides a coordinated, integrated and compassionate approach to each patient’s treatment.
To read Colleen's story, click here.
Thanks to generous contributions to the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center, we were able to establish our new Animal Assisted Therapy Program that enhances therapies, promotes patient participation, and alleviates stress, anxiety, and pain.
Our first facility dog, Engle, has officially arrived and is working to acclimate to the hospital. She was trained by Canine Companions for Independence. She began working as a facility dog with her full-time handler Kathryn Omarkhail in October 2023. Kathryn has been a part of the Baylor Scott & White family for over 20 years. Together they work diligently every day supporting the needs of our patients and their families.
According to the American Cancer Society, patients interacting with therapy dogs experience lower levels of stress and improvement in mood. Animals reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, and panic attacks, commonly experienced by cancer patients.
Canine Companions facility dogs are expertly trained in more than 40 commands, including turning on/off light switches, opening doors, pulling wheelchairs, picking up items and even playing card games.
Engle and Kathryn walk about three miles a day when making their rounds and are estimated to encounter nearly 5,000 patients and families in the ICU and surgery areas next year. They will also have approximately 1,900 custom sessions to provide therapeutic services according to each patient’s needs.
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