Circle of Hope

Ruth Centurier-Harris and her family came to Salt Lake City from South Africa in 2015, expecting to be here for a short time. Two years later, Ruth received a devastating cancer diagnosis - multiple myeloma. With her husband and three daughters, Ruth embraces the joy of today and making each day special.

There are many challenges having a blood cancer with no cure. But we just try to enjoy the time we have. After his multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2015, Kenneth Henderson has approached cancer the way he has approached his life–with his whole heart and soul. In 2018, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with seven others to raise awareness for blood cancers. The Huntsman Cancer Institute difference, he says, is in the way he was treated: always with kindness and a smile.

It’s essential to care for not only our physical health but also our mental health. In the current climate (COVID-19, earthquakes, and other life factors), much is out of our control. It’s important to do your best to find balance and take care of your whole self.

In an effort to express HCI’s support for those on the front lines of our COVID-19 challenge, HCI’s Beacon of Hope will run in white for the next several days. This reflects our deep appreciation to the staff at HCI, University of Utah Health, Intermountain Healthcare, the Utah Department of Health, and many, many other organizations across our region, the nation, and the world. We appreciate the sacrifices each of you are making and want you to know we recognize your incredible service.

Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the United States. Now, thanks to the development of early screening techniques, that’s no longer the case. Yet every year, there are still around 13,800 new cases of cervical cancer. To learn more about cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, we spoke with Kate Harris, MD, a gynecologic oncologist.

COVID-19 is a new type of virus that can cause mild and severe infections in the lungs. Like other viruses, it can lead to serious infections for people with weakened immune systems. Some people with cancer might have a higher risk of getting COVID-19 or having a serious infection from it.

The lymph system moves fluid throughout the body. Lymphedema can happen if lymph vessels are damaged or if lymph nodes were removed during surgery. It can also be a side effect of radiation treatment. For example, after removal of lymph nodes in the armpit or radiation to the lymph nodes in the armpit, swelling due to lymphedema may happen in that arm.

The PathMaker Program definitely had a significant impact on my career path. It was what opened the door to the research world and provided me with the support I needed even after completing the program. I learned that even though my internship ended, the relationships and contacts I gained in the program did not. PathMaker has helped me in every step of my career, and I will be forever grateful.