Circle of Hope

Shay Wright became a full-time caregiver to her husband, Tanner, when he was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. A visit to her therapist helped her realize she was experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout. By asking for help, both Tanner and Shay improved their physical and mental health.

Oncology nurses face a unique set of challenges, such as managing treatment complications, symptoms, and end-of-life care. To help new-graduate nurses HCI offers a nurse residency program to give them the tools they need to be successful.

LaDorna Eichenberg lost her youngest daughter to bone cancer in 1973. Later, she and her husband invented a popular die-cutting machine for teachers. As they enjoyed the machine’s success, LaDorna prioritized philanthropy—including $2.43 million in gifts to HCI to ensure fewer families endure what hers did.

As a social worker at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Karen Jensen saw the daily impact doctors and care team members made on patients. Those firsthand experiences provided her with comfort when she was diagnosed recently with tongue cancer. She knew that being here was the best place she could possibly be.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States and most symptoms don't show up until it has spread. The key is catching it early. Huntsman Cancer Institute pulmonologist Chakravarthy Reddy, MD, describes a standard screening procedure and explains how important they are in spotting and possibly preventing lung cancer.

Whether you are a patient or caregiver, asking for help can be difficult. Huntsman Cancer Institute social workers Amy Horyna, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, and Virginia Wilson, LCSW, OSW-C, provide some tips on how to get comfortable asking for help, what you should ask for, and what other outlets could be available.

Matt Elizondo works as a registered nurse and spent 10 years in the military. After cancer treatment, he continues to go above and beyond in service to others, cycling with Huntsman Heroes and raising money for cancer research.

Anyone can have a few sleepless nights, but when you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep most nights, you may have insomnia. Cancer patients have an increased risk of insomnia. There many ways you can deal with your insomnia, including seeking medical help from your care team.