There’s good news: People with cancer are living longer. In fact, cancer survival rates have improved more than 27% since 1991 (American Cancer Society, 2019). But as patients live longer, they often face complications brought on by the very treatments that saved their lives. That challenge is where the ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation program comes in.
From diagnosis through survivorship, ReVital’s team of specialized physical, occupational and speech-language therapists work to make life better and more fulfilling for cancer survivors. “We focus on improving function and quality of life through safe, effective, compassionate and comprehensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation services,” says Dr. Michael D. Stubblefield, an internationally recognized expert on cancer rehabilitation who serves as ReVital’s National Medical Director in addition to his role as Director of Cancer Rehabilitation at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. “We help patients live well beyond their cancer diagnosis,” he continued. “Our mission to restore function and quality of life is very tightly aligned with the mission of Cancer Hope Network.”
This year, Cancer Hope Network is proud to recognize ReVital’s important contributions to patient care at Kessler with the Spirit of Hope award. The award will be presented Saturday, November 2 at the 34th Annual Chrysalis Gala.“The collaboration between Cancer Hope Network and ReVital meets patient needs and provides much-needed support,” says CHN Executive Director Cynthia Gutierrez Bernstein. “We are proud to recognize the life-improving work being done by Dr. Stubblefield and his team.”
“Peer-to-peer and social support is invaluable during the cancer journey,” said Tiffany Kendig, PT, DPT, MPH, CLT, ReVital Program Director at Kessler. “Our ability to offer this resource through CHN empowers survivors and facilitates our dedication to providing comprehensive cancer care.” She discussed ReVital’s philosophy of care – which meshes so closely with CHN’s own. “We believe that all survivors should have access to comprehensive, high quality, specialized cancer rehabilitation services throughout their cancer journey. What’s important to our patients is important to us.”
“While we are honored and greatly appreciate recognition for our efforts on the part of cancer survivors, we still have a long way to go in making comprehensive cancer rehabilitation services available to all of those who need them,” Kendig concluded.
“Support and recognition by the Cancer Hope Network is a meaningful validation of our mission and a tremendous motivator as we work to get help to those who need it.”
For more information about Cancer Hope Network, the ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation program at Kessler or to reserve your place at this year’s Chrysalis Gala, please contact Randibeth Gallant, Director of Events and Fundraising Campaigns - rgallant@cancerhopenetwork.org.
ABOUT ReVITAL
ReVital is a groundbreaking rehabilitation program that empowers cancer survivors to live their best lives. Our cancer-trained therapists work hard to help them achieve comprehensive recovery from cancer and its treatments through physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and cognitive rehabilitation.
ABOUT Cancer Hope Network
Cancer Hope Network provides free one-on-one emotional peer support to adult cancer patients and their loved ones. Each of CHN’s 400+ volunteers is at least one year post-treatment or successfully undergoing maintenance therapies. They have faced more than 80 cancer types and speak 15 languages. Our volunteers offer support from diagnosis, through treatment and into recovery. Cancer Hope Network serves clients in the United States and Canada.
