Photo Credit: Houston MethodistHealth
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital spotlights patients, caregivers and survivors for National Cancer Survivors Month
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital (HMTW) celebrated National Cancer Survivors Month with an event uniting patients, survivors, families and staff as one team with one goal: to kick cancer.
“Every patient’s cancer journey is deeply personal,” said David Bernard, CEO of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. “It’s not just about getting through treatment. It’s about the birthdays, the graduations, the time with family and the chapters still ahead. Houston Methodist comes together as one team with the shared goal to kick cancer, celebrating these milestones alongside our patients and caregivers.”
Houston Methodist’s collaborative care model ensures that survivors, families and care teams work together as one, supporting patients at every step. This includes not just physicians and nurses, but navigators, chaplains, pharmacists and volunteers, all united to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Since opening in 2017, HMTW has continually expanded its cancer services to meet the growing need for advanced cancer care in the community – investing in technology, increasing clinical capacity and staff and strengthening patient support programs.
“We’re not just treating cancer,” Bernard said. “We’re building a community where patients, survivors, caregivers and families feel supported from diagnosis through survivorship.”
A powerful moment during the evening came from local cancer survivor John Masley, who shared how his perspective shifted after diagnosis – and how his family and care team helped carry him through.
“When you get a cancer diagnosis, it’s easy to feel like your world has turned upside down,” Masley said. “But what I found here was more than treatment. I found a team that made sure I was never alone.”After being diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer, Masley struggled for days with the challenge of telling his wife that he did not plan to pursue treatment because of his extreme claustrophobia. With the support of his oncologist, Dr. Priya Ramshesh, Masley was presented with alternative treatment options that took his claustrophobia into consideration.
“Every patient’s needs are unique, and our goal is to ensure that care is both effective and compassionate,” Ramshesh said. “By listening closely and adapting treatment plans, we help patients overcome challenges and continue their journey with hope.”
Masley credited his recovery to a combination of clinical expertise, unwavering family support and the human connection he experienced throughout his care.
“You can’t do this alone,” Masley said. “You need faith, you need people and you need a team that truly sees you.”
Treating around 7,000 new cancer cases each year, Houston Methodist’s highly specialized team includes experts in all types of cancer, both common and rare, who support patients and their caregivers during every stage of their cancer journey. Find a location near you to start your care journey today.
Source: Houston Methodist
